What would be the dream birthday present for a Premier League footballer? Well Newcastle United fans, and indeed birthday boy Elliot Anderson will be hoping for a day to remember.
The young midfielder has just over 40 minutes of playing time in the first team at Newcastle, having played three minutes in the league and 39 in the FA Cup. He has been named on the bench twice this season so far (via TransferMarkt). Many fans want him to start as the Magpies head to the Amex Stadium for a difficult Brighton & Hove Albion test. What better way to mark your 19th birthday than making your full Premier League debut?
Newcastle fans are certainly hoping that this is the case, hijacking the ‘Happy Birthday’ tweet sent out by the club, demanding he plays.
What do Newcastle United fans think ok Elliot Anderson?
“Get him in the first team!!” @rob_materna
“Give the lad a few games to get settled in and see what he’s about. I’m sick of our club not playing our young talent.” @brobinson952
“Start him I beg.” @KieranNUFC_
“Needs to be started.” @PhillipsXander
“Get this lad on the pitch!” @tony_murdoch87
“First team or riot.” @Luke_NUFC
“Heart in mouth… Nope it’s Anderson’s birthday. Happy birthday young fella” @skullfist1
When you get exciting young players coming through the youth ranks, there are few things that can provoke the same sense of pride and excitement in the fans like this can. We’ve seen big names come through before at other clubs, and they always have a special connection with the fans.
Recently the likes of Phil Foden, Mason Greenwood and Trent Alexander-Arnold have broken through from the academy at their clubs, and the fans feel incredibly proud that they have produced these exceptionally talented footballers themselves.