Elliot Anderson is 'not far away' from his first Premier League start for Newcastle United following his latest 'exciting' cameo. That is the view of ChronicleLive columnist Lee Clark, who also believes it was 'disappointing' the teenager was made to wait so long to return to the first-team fold following his senior breakthrough under Steve Bruce.
Anderson has forced his way into Eddie Howe's plans on the back of a sensational loan spell with Bristol Rovers last term. The 19-year-old helped Joey Barton's side secure promotion to League One on a dramatic final day, registering eight goals and five assists in 21 appearances for the Gas.
Anderson was handed a start in a central midfield role in the pre-season victory over Atalanta, as well as the Carabao Cup win over Tranmere Rovers. The teenager has also shown he is a versatile option in the Magpies squad with an encouraging substitute appearance in a wide role in the goalless draw with Crystal Palace.
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Clark insists Anderson's technical ability has never been in doubt as the attacking midfielder has risen through the club's ranks. The former Magpies midfielder believes the rising star has now added the physicality required to become an 'important player' for the club going forward
Clark told ChronicleLive: "He shows great maturity, he's physically strong to match his technical ability. He likes to drive at people, and he's got a good understanding of the game so he can mix his game up when he's driving at defenders. He might play a one-two and he's got the option to take people on.
"I'm excited by what can come from him this season, he's earning more and more of Eddie and his staff's trust, so he's giving him longer and longer with each game. His first Premier League start isn't too far away because he's someone who can do something a bit different in that final third, he's a real positive lad with a lot of confidence for someone so young who's starting out in the first-team here."
Anderson's senior debut came in January 2021 as a substitute in the FA Cup third-round defeat at Arsenal. Another cameo against the same opponent came nine days later, but the academy graduate was then not afforded any further first-team opportunities under Steve Bruce.
Clark added: "I was really impressed by him, but I was impressed when he first came on to the stage under Steve Bruce with that cameo down at Arsenal. I was disappointed then he didn't get more time after that because it was a team that was struggling, and he seemed to be a little bit of a breath of fresh air. He seemed to go off into the wilderness before his terrific loan at Bristol Rovers."
Anderson's recent form from the bench has raised talk among sections of Newcastle's fanbase over the players at risk in the starting eleven. Rather than focusing on the starters who could be dropped, Clark believes the teenager's development should simply be welcomed as another invaluable squad option for Howe to rotate over the course of a long and congested campaign.
Clark said: "I don't see it as someone being at risk, I see it as another potential opportunity for the manager to change the team when he wants. If he comes in for someone, it won't be because they're playing poorly.
"It might be because they've played x number of games in a week, and you want to have a freshness to your team. The way Eddie wants to play on the frontfoot, you need to be absolutely flying from that first whistle.
"It's about having those possibilities where you go for example, Miguel Almiron has been fantastic and I'll give him a breather. When you're challenging at the top-end of the table, that's what you need. The top teams are judged by their bench and the standard of subs, does it weaken or strengthen them?"
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