Anderson 2.0: Newcastle have "next young English superstar" on their hands
There was a time not long ago when seeing a Newcastle United player in an England shirt felt like a rarity.
Yet on Tuesday night, as Anthony Gordon completed 90 minutes against Wales, fans on Tyneside had reason to smile.
For a club once seen as an outsider to international recognition, Newcastle’s growing representation in the England setup marks a remarkable transformation.
Now, barring injuries, almost half a dozen Newcastle players could find themselves in the national fold.
Dan Burn appears to have established himself as England’s third-choice centre-back behind Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi, while the likes of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are widely expected to receive future call-ups once they recover from their respective injuries.
Yet for all the current excitement, there’s one player Newcastle fans are forced to admire from afar.
A midfielder who came through their academy, left reluctantly, and is now flourishing in the England squad.
Anderson’s successes with England
Elliot Anderson’s story is one that continues to sting for many Newcastle supporters.
The 22-year-old, born in the Northeast and developed through the club’s academy, was sold to Nottingham Forest last summer as part of Newcastle’s desperate effort to stay within the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
The deal, which saw goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos move the other way, was described at the time as purely financial – neither the player nor the club wanted to part ways.
Since moving to Forest, Anderson has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s most complete young midfielders.
Last season, he made 37 league appearances, scoring two goals and registering six assists.
Elliot Anderson – 2024/25
Minutes Played
2,728
Goals
2
Assists
6
Progressive Carries
52
Progressive Passes
143
Source: FBref
His mix of energy and tactical awareness quickly made him one of Thomas Tuchel’s most reliable players.
His rise has continued on the international stage.
After switching allegiances from Scotland to England, Anderson has earned three senior caps, picking up two man-of-the-match awards in his first two games.
In England’s recent 1–0 win over Wales, he played 69 minutes before being replaced by Jordan Henderson, completing 77 passes (an impressive 96% accuracy) from 92 touches.
He also produced two key passes, won four of six ground duels, and made one interception.
Tuchel’s use of Anderson as Rice’s midfield partner for Declan Rice has proven to be a masterstroke.
The former Newcastle man’s ability to retain possession, play progressively, and read danger makes him an ideal modern central midfielder.
He thrives in tight spaces, dictates rhythm, and has a sharpness that’s elevated both Forest and England’s midfield balance.
For Newcastle, it’s hard not to imagine how Anderson might have looked alongside Bruno Guimarães or Sandro Tonali at St James’ Park.
But while they lost a gem in the short term, the club might just have the next one already developing in their ranks.
The England player of the future at Newcastle
At just 19 years old, Lewis Miley is being tipped as Newcastle’s next homegrown star.
Standing at 1.89m with a market value already approaching £20m, as per Transfermarkt, the central midfielder combines intelligence, technique, and maturity well beyond his years.
Last season, Miley made 14 Premier League appearances, scoring once, and has now featured 49 times across all competitions for Newcastle, including in the Champions League.
His calmness in possession and range of passing have drawn comparisons to some of England’s finest midfielders. BBC Sport’s Pat Nevin has gone as far as to describe him as “the next young English superstar.”
Despite his age, Miley already plays with the control of a seasoned professional.
He averages 48 completed passes per 90 minutes with an 88% pass accuracy, ranking among the best in his age group.
His defensive contribution is equally strong – 4.00 tackles per 90 and 1.43 blocks per 90 show a midfielder unafraid to do the dirty work.
Statistically, he even matches up well against Anderson.
While Anderson edges him in attacking metrics – 4.72 progressive passes, 1.72 progressive carries, and 2.87 shot-creating actions per 90 – Miley’s efficiency and composure are exceptional for a teenager.
His higher passing accuracy and greater defensive output underline why Eddie Howe sees him as central to Newcastle’s long-term plans.
There have been signs of growing pains this season, as he’s occasionally struggled to influence matches from deep.
Yet Howe and senior teammates like Joelinton have been quick to defend him, pointing to the experience he’s gaining as invaluable for his development.
A summer loan to Crystal Palace or Ipswich was considered but ultimately rejected.
Miley’s ability to combine tidy passing with defensive resilience makes him the archetype of the modern English midfielder.
Like Anderson, he’s comfortable playing between the lines, but he offers more control and balance in possession – something England’s midfield may need in the years to come.
For Howe, the lesson is clear: when you nurture talent properly, the next generation might already be waiting in your own backyard.
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