'Really reliable': Eddie Howe took time in his press conference to praise 21-year-old academy graduate

This was supposed to be the season that Elliot Anderson showed us all what he was made of, and while he has done that to a degree, it hasn't gone exactly according to plan.

Since Eddie Howe's arrival at Newcastle United, Elliot Anderson has become more and more involved with the Magpies first team and after shining in pre-season, expectations were sky high that the former academy star was going to kick on this season.

Anderson had a loan spell at Bristol Rovers in 2022 under former Magpie and now cringeworthy gobshite Joey Barton where he earned himself the nickname the Geordie Maradona. It was that spell that made Eddie Howe decide to keep him for himself for the 2023/24 season.

Unfortunately, Anderson became one of the victims of the injury curse that ravaged Newcastle and the youngster spent four months out of action with a back problem.

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Anderson has come back strong after his back injury

Since his return, however, Anderson has looked extremely impressive, especially as Howe has asked him to fill several different roles in the last few games.

Anderson is clearly the most comfortable going forward and contributing to the attack, but against Brighton he was asked to defend a lot more, and other than losing his man in the box which led to Brighton's goal, he acquitted himself well to the role.

His efforts have not gone unnoticed by the gaffer either who this morning admitted to being an admirer of Anderson before he came to Newcastle.

Eddie Howe has praised Anderson's maturity

Speaking to the media this morning ahead of Newcastle's trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, Eddie Howe took the time to heap praise on Anderson (via The Chronicle).

"Elliot has come through the Academy here. When I first came to the club, we were aware of him and his talents. He’s really worked on all aspects of the game, and I think he’s been really reliable for us.

"Whatever position I have used in him, he has done very well. Tactically I have asked him to do a couple of things that the team has needed, and he’s done it very well. I am really pleased with his level of maturity and his tactical understanding."

Anderson is still waiting for his first senior goal, but if he keeps playing the way he has been, that will surely come sooner rather than later.