(Credit: Imago, Getty)

Evan Shaw

Fri 27 March 2026 9:30, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga has faced some familiar criticism after he endured another frustrating evening for Sweden on Thursday night.

Graham Potter’s side defeated Ukraine 3-1 in Valencia to progress from their World Cup play-off semi-final, but the Magpies star failed to register a goal involvement during the game.

Elanga started the game on the right side of a two-man attacking midfield alongside Celtic’s Benjamin Nygren, and was replaced in the fourth minute of stoppage time at the end of the game.

The 23-year-old has struggled for form at St James’ Park this season, and it was clear to see that his lack of form at club level carried over onto the international stage in midweek.

He was ineffective in Newcastle’s recent defeat to Sunderland, and Swedish media have been quick to heap further criticism on him after their latest victory as well.

Swedish media picks out same concern as Newcastle fans

Elanga has managed just four goal contributions for the Magpies since his £55million move from Nottingham Forest last summer, and the supporters have grown increasingly frustrated with him as the season has progressed.

The wideman’s lack of consistency has been a major talking point on Tyneside in recent months, and he has only started 13 Premier League games amid some quiet displays.

Nevertheless, the former Manchester United academy graduate remains a key player for his country, even if he did come in for criticism after their progression on Thursday night.

Elanga failed to create a chance, have a shot, or complete a successful dribble during the game, and the Swedish media have pulled no punches when it comes to their assessment of his display.

Fotboll Skanalen had little positive to say about his performance, other than the fact that his speed proved to be “elusive” for Ukraine.

Expressen also touched on Elanga’s athleticism, as they acknowledged that his acceleration hands him a “huge edge” during games, but also added that they got to see “little of that” against Ukraine.

That is a familiar complaint for Newcastle fans, who have been questioning the way that the forward drifts in and out of games since the start of the season, while his end product has also left a lot to be desired.

Magpies’ purchase of Elanga has been a huge mistake

Newcastle fans have been ripping into Elanga all season, and he has looked a shadow of the player who racked up 17 Premier League goal involvements for Forest last term.

He has just a solitary assist to show for his efforts in the league this time around, while a recent brace in the 7-2 defeat to Barcelona has done little to buy him more credit with the supporters.

Newcastle spent heavily to regenerate their attack last summer, but almost all of their big-name signings have failed dramatically so far, with Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey also enduring serious struggles.

The purchase of Elanga in particular has proven to be a huge mistake from the North East outfit, as he has simply not produced to the value of a £55m player.

It remains to be seen exactly how his long-term future at St James’ will look, but the recruitment team will undoubtedly be wishing that they kept the receipt for him.