Anthony Elanga masterclass could offer Eddie Howe a surprise solution to striker dilemma
Anthony Elanga joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forest this summer for £55 million and could see himself play in a new position after the international break.
Elanga was joined in the transfer window by Malick Thiaw, Jacob Ramsey, Nick Woltemade, and Yoane Wissa, with the latter pair bolstering the forward ranks for Eddie Howe.
Howe had started the season with Anthony Gordon as a striker in the absence of the want-away Alexander Isak, but once Gordon picked up a three-match ban the Englishman faced a selection dilemma.
Isak eventually departed for a deadline day record fee, while Wissa and Woltemade joined to ease the pressure, and now Elanga’s performances on international duty may give Howe more food for thought.
Anthony Elanga finds a new position
Elanga has been performing well while away on international duty, scoring to put Sweden ahead in their 2-2 World Cup qualifying draw against Slovenia.
The 23-year-old has been used as a split striker in a front two, by Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson alongside Viktor Gyokeres.
Elanga is used to being deployed on the right wing, using his acceleration to blast past defenders on quick counter-attacks, but Dahl Tomasson utilised him differently against Slovenia.
With Elanga’s performance garnering a goal, perhaps Howe may look to play in a similar way with one of Wissa or Woltemade alongside Elanga and Gordon and Barnes as wingers either side of the duo up front.
Eddie Howe has the reinforcements to allow Newcastle to compete on multiple fronts
Football Insider verdict
Howe started the season with only five available and fit forward options, while his midfield looked even lighter with barely five players able to cover the middle of the park.
Jacob Ramsey’s addition eases the midfield woes, while Woltemade and Wissa offer competition and cover in Howe’s forward line options.
| Player | Position |
| Nick Woltemade | ST |
| Yoane Wissa | LW/ST |
| Anthony Elanga | RW/ST |
| Anthony Gordon | LW |
| William Osula | ST/RW |
| Harvey Barnes | LW |
| Jacob Murphy | RW |
With the added profiles and bodies to his squad, Howe will now feel like his side are able to compete more comfortably with their congested schedule.
The Magpies will return to Premier League against Wolves on Saturday September 13, before welcoming Barcelona to St. James’ Park to kick off their Champions League campaign on Thursday September 18.