Nicky Butt says Anthony Elanga is a very different player at Newcastle United than he was at Manchester United.
The Sweden international was exceptional during Newcastle’s win over Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League, playing a key role in the Magpies’ victory in Brussels.
Nicky Butt says Anthony Elanga is a very different player at Newcastle United than he was at Manchester United.
The Sweden international was exceptional during Newcastle’s win over Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League, playing a key role in the Magpies’ victory in Brussels.
Nicky Butt says Anthony Elanga has ‘matured’
Butt spent nine years as a coach at Manchester United, where he saw Elanga develop from promising young star to senior player.
He then kicked on even further at Nottingham Forest, which inspired Newcastle United to spend £55million on him this summer.
Direct’ Anthony Elanga robbed of Newcastle United assist
Elanga was relentless on the right of attack for Newcastle. He showed a burning desire to stretch the USG defence and get into dangerous positions, putting multiple brilliant crosses into the box.
That was noted by Butt, who praised the Magpies’ number 20 for his direct approach.
Butt added: “One thing I really like about him is he’s direct. All his career he has been direct. He knows what he wants to do. He wants to take his man on and create chances.
“The amount of good balls he put in tonight, it was a shame they didn’t get a goal off one of them.”
Elanga technically got his first Newcastle assist on Wednesday night, winning the first penalty that Anthony Gordon converted in the first half.
However, there were various other opportunities for him to create. Sadly, his wonderful deliveries were not converted by his teammates.
But that will come in time. Newcastle’s front three were really dangerous against USG, with Elanga proving he has the tools to shine next to Nick Woltemade and Gordon.