Newcastle United resume their Premier League campaign after the international break hesitant about what the near future holds.
Indeed, back-to-back away defeats to West Ham United and Brentford very much exposed Newcastle’s weaknesses, as a lethargic defence was caught out in both games in London, alongside the midfield ranks looking equally as ropey.
In particular, Joelinton has fallen short of his usual high standards in recent defeats, with only three duels won by the midfielder at the London Stadium, who was once referred to as an energetic “machine” by Magpies teammate Kieran Trippier.
He could well be dropped for some fresh blood centrally, therefore, as Manchester City do battle with the Toon to close out November up next.
In an ideal reality, though, Eddie Howe’s men would still have Elliot Anderson to call upon, as the former St James’ Park product continues to excel for both Nottingham Forest and England.
Why Newcastle would love Anderson back at St James' Park
Once upon a time on Tyneside, a far rawer, younger Anderson would be clamouring for more senior minutes at his boyhood club.
Unfortunately, that failed to come to fruition, courtesy of an injury-ravaged final season at the Toon. In total, Anderson would make just a paltry three league starts during this swansong year.
But, the revitalised 23-year-old has never looked back since leaving the Magpies behind, with the Forest number 8 now setting the standard for midfielders in the Premier League this campaign, even as his side loiter towards the bottom of the division.
It was yet another classy display from Anderson last time out in league action before the break interrupted Forest’s flow, winning five duels and making seven ball recoveries, keeping a nervous Leeds largely at bay in a vital 3-1 win. While he excelled again, Joelinton limped off against the Bees scared for what his first-team future holds.
He also shone for England to further pile on the Newcastle misery, as only six of his 136 passes didn’t reach their intended target against Serbia and Albania.
Thomas Tuchel even heralded him as “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League” in the build-up to the Serbia encounter.
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Safe to say, Newcastle desperately wish they still had the much-talked-about 23-year-old on their books, but Howe could start to unearth a new version of Anderson back on Tyneside.
Newcastle's next Anderson
Newcastle will need to ensure they don’t suffer another Anderson-style clanger soon, with Yankuba Minteh also sold prematurely by the Magpies, before he then exploded into life at Brighton and Hove Albion.
If they aren’t careful, they could lose Lewis Miley down the line, with the 19-year-old now ready for some “serious minutes” at his boyhood employers, according to journalist Liam Kennedy, after starring as a combative, yet skilful midfielder in flashes for Howe and Co in recent matches.
Much like Anderson has proven on the big stage countless times now for the Tricky Trees, Miley hasn’t looked fazed at all this season when also being dropped into the deep-end, particularly when he shone against Benfica in Champions League action to receive these rave reviews.
Indeed, the teenage sensation won all of his tackles on the night and also won four duels, while further exiting the field of play with only four passes going astray.
To further back up his similarities to the departed Anderson, the 19-year-old also stood out for the Three Lions at U21 level during the break when facing the Republic of Ireland.
Minutes played
75
Goals scored
0
Assists
0
Touches
73
Accurate passes
58/61 (95%)
Key passes
1
Tackles won
1/1
Interceptions
1
Clearances
1
Blocked shots
1
Ball recoveries
2
Total duels won
3/6
Miley has also being tipped for greatness at international level, far beyond his current age bracket, notably hailed as “England’s next superstar” by BBC pundit Pat Nevin.
Again, much like his showing against Benfica, Miley stood out as a calm and assured operator, also capable of getting stuck in, with a 95% pass accuracy, coupled with three tackles and ball recoveries being amassed.
Of course, Newcastle would love to have the finished product of Anderson at their disposal. But, to win him back, it is reported that it could take an eye-watering reported £100m to regain his services.
Therefore, Miley could be their next best bet, having been branded a “mature” performer by Howe this season when used irregularly. That word not only aptly describes the Toon’s budding midfielder but also Anderson.
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