Dan Burn has been talking about Elliot Anderson.
The Newcastle United defender put up by England to speak to the media.
Dan Burn asked about his fellow Geordie and England colleague. “He is very composed and nothing really seems to faze Elliot from what I have seen. From him coming through as a kid, training with Newcastle, to now starting in the World Cup. Never changes character, always wanting the ball. Plays with that intensity the manager loves. I was really so happy for him the other day [in the win over Croatia] because he’s had a tough time in his personal life. He has shown the quality he has got.”
As a Newcastle United (and England) fan, it is a strange one when watching Elliot Anderson play so well for England and be a key player for them.
A bittersweet experience when watching the lifelong Newcastle United fan (Elliot Anderson, not Dan Burn) playing at another club these days, then playing for his country as well.
Dan Burn giving an interesting perspective on the Elliot Anderson situation: “I don’t think he wanted to leave Newcastle [in a forced sale to Nottingham Forest due to PSR situation in June 2024) but would he be in the position he is in now if still was at Newcastle?”
A true sliding doors moment.
We all know why Elliot Anderson was chosen to be sold, a young squad player at the time and the fact he was homegrown meant that all of his £35m transfer fee would go towards the £50m+ shortfall that needed to be plugged by the end of June 2024. Whilst Yankuba Minteh had cost £7m and was sold to Brighton for £33m, with his book value at the time meaning most of that transfer fee would also instantly go into the 2023/24 NUFC accounts as profit.
Elliot Anderson was sold in June 2024 and became a regular starter for Nottingham Forest and the past two seasons of club performances has led to him being now first choice for England. Would this have been the case if staying at St James’ Park.
I think very unlikely.
The reality is that Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno were the first choice midfield trio at the time AND the fact is that they were all key players in Newcastle United’s best season in living memory for most fans. Winning a first trophy in 56 years and qualifying for the Champions League in 2024/25, a second time in three years. If for whatever reason(s) Elliot Anderson had stayed, I think he would have played at times but that first choice trio would have still been the case. If say Tonali or Bruno had been sold instead (or Gordon or Isak…) to cover the PSR shortfall, then I don’t think Newcastle United would have won the Carabao Cup, nor qualified for the Champions League. Whilst Elliot Anderson wouldn’t now be first choice for England.
If all four midfielders were at St James’ Park now, I think Bruno and Tonali would still be ahead of Elliot Anderson. However, by now I reckon Anderson would be playing ahead of Joelinton for Newcastle United, though almost certainly not having had enough time on the pitch to have convinced Thomas Tuchel he should be starting for England, probably not even making this England World Cup squad due to not having enough chance to impress.
Jackie Smithfield
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