Newcastle fans react as Anthony Elanga has 'game of his life' in Sweden defeat to Netherlands

Newcastle United fans were left in shock by Anthony Elanga's stunning performance off the bench as Sweden were destroyed 5-1 by the Netherlands on Saturday.

Goals from Brian Brobbey, Cody Gakpo and Crysencio Summerville sank Graham Potter's side, despite the 24-year-old's second-half consolation.

The winger has struggled for minutes at the World Cup so far, but will surely start against Japan next week in what will be a key game for Sweden.

Elanga joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forest last summer in a deal worth £55million, but has already been the subject of rumours of an exit after a disappointing season.

The forward returned just three goals in 49 appearances across all competitions, with two of those coming in the same game.

The Magpies have already sold Anthony Gordon in a £69m deal to Barcelona this summer, and will be keen to add to their attack before weakening it any further.

Newcastle fans question 'where's this Anthony Elanga been?'

When Elanga arrived at St James' Park, he was among the hottest prospects in the Premier League.

The winger had just scored six goals and provided 11 assists in a single league campaign for Nottingham Forest, and looked bound to add ruthless pace to Newcastle's attack.

But the Magpies are still yet to see much of anything in black and white from the 24-year-old, who did not even score a single Premier League goal.

After coming on against the Netherlands on Saturday, however, Elanga has shown that the ability is still there.

In just 35 minutes, the forward netted Sweden's only goal with a superb finish after showing brilliant pace. One other moment caused a stir, when Elanga ruthlessly nutmegged and left Micky van de Ven in the dust with a great piece of skill.

Newcastle fans were stunned by what they were seeing. One asked: "Where’s this Elanga been for NUFC?"https://x.com/ToonTakeover_/status/2068407524865303010

Another wrote that it "looks like Anthony Elanga is having the game of his life", while another commented that the winger was "absolutely tearing it up".

Chris Sutton praises Elanga for stunning cameo

Such was Elanga's impact impressive, Potter has been left with almost no choice but to start him against Japan next week.

The winger's future remains unclear but if Eddie Howe can encourage a display like that, he can still be a tremendous asset for Newcastle.

Speaking to BBC 5 Live, Chris Sutton commented: "Anthony Elanga has looked so explosive since he's come on. Brilliant skill on the byline."

Whether Elanga can take that skill back to St James' Park remains to be seen, but it is certainly a moment of encouragement for the 24-year-old.