Joey Barton has raved about Elliot Anderson following Bristol Rovers’ crucial 1-0 win against Colchester. The former Magpies midfielder - who has been in charge of Rovers since February last year - mentioned the Toon youngster in the same breath as legendary Argentine Diego Maradona after he proved to be the difference again on Wednesday.
Anderson’s stunning 49th-minute strike separated the two sides and moved the Pirates to within one point of a League Two play-off place. Limited first-team opportunities at St James’ Park forced the 19-year-old to seek a loan move in January. The move has paid dividends, with Rovers losing just twice since Anderson’s arrival and his performances propelling them back into the promotion picture.
Barton compared the Whitley Bay native to one of the greatest players of all time after the game. “I’ve been listening to Bill Shankley tapes a lot today,” he told BristolLive. “He talked a lot about a 19-year-old Diego Maradona and how he slows down in the penalty area, exactly like Elliot Anderson does. (He is) such a talent.”
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“Elliot has been brilliant for us from the first day we brought him in. I would have paid to watch him tonight - he was that good. He is growing into the shirt and his goal capped an outstanding performance.
“Elliot is a huge talent. He excites you and tonight he showed a different gear to be the stand-out player on the pitch. That was our most difficult game of the season. They had a game plan to be condensed in central areas and catch us on the break.”
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