'Very wise': Anthony Elanga can't stop gushing over Newcastle United manager on international duty with Sweden
Anthony Elanga was the first new face through the door at Newcastle United this summer, and if we don't count the ones who have been struck by injury, he's also the one who is taking the longest to settle.
Newcastle paid Nottingham Forest £55 million for the Swedish winger after missing out on the pace merchant in the summer of 2024 when the Magpies made a last-minute deadline day bid.
Elanga went on to have a fantastic season for Forest before Newcastle finally got their man.
Eddie Howe has given Elanga several opportunities in the starting XI ahead of Jacob Murphy, but while his sheer pace and determination have impressed, his final ball has yet to bear fruit.
Anthony Elanga says Eddie Howe is the best coach he's ever had
Despite what could be classed as a slow start, Eddie Howe has praised Elanga and has said that he's pleased with what he's seeing. Now, though, the shoe is on the other foot with Elanga telling Fotboll Skanalen in Sweden what he thinks of the Newcastle gaffer.
“I have a fantastic coach who I can learn so much from. I like the team so much. I know we’re going to have a good season.
“He’s the best coach I’ve had. He helps me so much. On and off the pitch. It’s not just him. But the leaders around him too. I already feel that I’ve improved even though I’ve only been there for two and a half months.
“I could talk about him all day. But everything, everything, everything. The coach is very smart, and he is very wise.
“He knows what he is doing and that we will have a lot of games. The way we play as a team demands a lot from the body. It is high intensity. He tries to keep everyone fresh and ready. I can’t complain.”
Anthony Elanga feels very bit an Eddie Howe player
Anthony Elanga seems to tick every box that Eddie Howe looks for in a player, and we're sure it's just a matter of time before he kicks on and proves why Howe chased him for as long as he did.
That first goal or first assist will likely be the catalyst that sends him on his way.
The added pressure of having Jacob Murphy snapping at his heels and delivering every time he takes to the pitch should be another reason for Elanga to push on.
