It's been a bit of an up and down since Newcastle United this season, but the enthusiasm and zeal displayed against Liverpool Wednesday evening suggests that Eddie HoweThe players are determined to find their Champions League place.
Newcastle certainly have the team to do it. Alexandre Isak mark for fun at number nine, while Anthony Gordon brings tireless energy to the flank, as does Joelinton the center. Joelinton, it seems, is synonymous with 'raging bull' – and how much Tyneside loves him for it.
Bruno Guimaraesmaestro, magician, makes everything work. In defense, Dan Burns he is firm, strong, immobile. Fabian Schar is dynamic and brings a dimension to the club's offensive efforts.
There is so much to like, especially with the Magpies strengthening their local quota.
Newcastle's growing success at the academy
You can have all the success in the world, but it won't be as enjoyable if the academy candidates aren't in the mix. There’s something very visceral about it, an added emotion that comes from having “one of our own” playing a part in an illustrious success.
Sean Longstaff has established himself alongside his side in 2022/23 and has been hailed as Newcastle's 'unsung hero' by expert Paul Merson as he starred en route to a superb fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
The 27-year-old remains part of Howe's squad. But he is not the only one. Newcastle's academy is making progress and heading towards its peak.
Lewis Miley is a real treat, bursting onto the scene last season to play a crucial role in combating a damaging injury crisis that hampered what was supposed to be a momentous term. However, the 18-year-old has a big future ahead of him.
There are more and more young people. Ben Parkinson, Charlie McArthur and Alfie Harrison, to name just a few. PIF also took action and signed Vakhtang Salia in October, with the 17-year-old Georgian versatile forward, considered an important talent and the next version of the country of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
And so on. Newcastle fans must be delighted with the progress the club has made, even if there are a few bumps in the road. One of these stumbles concerns the loss of Elliot Andersonwhose sale to Nottingham Forest this year was a necessary evil, albeit saddening all the same.
Newcastle sold their answer to Jude Bellingham
Earlier this season, with Nottingham Forest flying high, Alan Smith, live on Sky Sports, raved about Anderson's silky dribbling ability during a match against Crystal Palace, even comparing him to the great Lionel Messi.
The color commentator said: “It was like Lionel Messi there in the box. Not once but twice, happy feet. Wonderful piece by Elliot Anderson.
Anderson is an exciting talent, but Messi is not. Always. Such effusive words only underline the quality he possesses: if a young star carried even the vestiges of one of Messi's many qualities, they would be ready to live.
Its sale was of course necessary, ensuring – with the sale of Yankuba Minteh for £30 million at Brighton & Hove Albion – that coveted trinity – Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes And Alexandre Isak – were kept on Tyneside.
But despite this, it is a shame that alternative means were not implemented, as the 21-year-old was highly regarded by Howe and his team and was sold for £35 million despite a relative lack of experience, which testifies to his natural qualities.
According to FBref, Anderson's dynamic offensive skills have him compared to some big names, including the Real Madrid superstar. Jude Bellingham. As you can see below, the comparisons aren't unfair.
|
Elliot Anderson vs. Jude Bellingham (last 365 days) |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Match Statistics (per 90) |
||
|
Goals scored |
0.00 |
0.34 |
|
Aids |
0.27 |
0.31 |
|
Total number of shots |
1.88 |
1.79 |
|
Plan Creation Actions |
3.69 |
3.26 |
|
Progressive ports |
2.81 |
2.75 |
|
Successful positions taken |
1.94 |
1.65 |
|
Ball recoveries |
6.03 |
3.95 |
|
Tackles |
2.61 |
2.07 |
|
Blocks |
2.35 |
1.50 |
|
Clearances |
2.08 |
0.79 |
|
Aerial duels won |
1.68 |
0.88 |
|
All statistics via FBref |
||
Now, we're not saying Anderson is the superior player, but the metrics suggest he is. Joke. However, it makes an interesting comment on the level of Tricky Trees' playmaker, his creativity and his ball-carrying quality.
Bellingham is one of world football's true sensations, joining Los Blancos from Borussia Dortmund as a vaunted but belief-defying prodigy in his debut campaign, scoring 36 goal contributions through 43 matches in all competitions en route to La Liga and Champions League titles.
He's obviously better than Anderson, but to think Newcastle could have sculpted their own version of the Birmingham-born player is frustrating – and because of some homegrown talent to boot.
It's curious to think that Newcastle allowed a player of such creative importance to leave, especially given their playmaking and attacking struggles this season – despite the thrilling draw with Liverpool.
According to the official website of the Premier LeagueNewcastle only created 22 big chances, 17th in the division. Southampton, last placed here and in the current ranking, created 19.
Last season, Toon, injured, created 97 big chances throughout the campaign, placing them second with Manchester City, four consecutive champions. It's obvious United need to improve.
Kieran Trippier went lyrical about the versatile midfielder's skills in the past, saying:
“He's a young kid, with so much potential and I really mean it. It's crazy how good he is. He just has to be patient. Keep working hard like he's been doing. He's been amazing when he arrived (at Forest), he has a huge future ahead of him, like I said, he just has to continue to be patient.”
It's true that he would play a role under Howe's wing this season, but whether Anderson would have earned a regular starting spot is another question entirely.
Despite this, it's a shame he's gone, and Magpies supporters around Tyneside and beyond will be supporting their academy star and hoping that maybe, just maybe, he will return one day.
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