When a football club signs a new player, there is always a wave of excitement and hope. Fans imagine the goals he will score, the chances he will create, and the difference he will make to the team.
For Newcastle United, the summer signing of winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest was met with exactly that kind of optimism.
Here was a player with Premier League experience, known for his blistering pace, and someone who seemed to fit the energetic style that manager Eddie Howe wants to play.
The hope was that he would be the answer to the team’s need for a consistent threat on the right side of the attack.
However, the start of the season has not gone according to plan for the Swedish international. As we move further into the campaign, it is becoming clear that Elanga is struggling to find his feet at his new club.
The most telling statistic, and the most worrying for an attacking player, is his lack of direct contributions. So far, he has not managed to score a goal or provide an assist for his teammates.
For a player who was brought in to add firepower to the front line, this is a concerning record. When a club invests a significant amount of money in a player, there is an expectation of an immediate impact, and that simply hasn’t happened yet.
The competition for places in Newcastle’s attacking positions is very fierce. Elanga is up against established players like Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes, as well as the exciting Anthony Gordon.
There is also the new signing Nick Woltemade to consider. In such a competitive environment, every player needs to perform every time they are given a chance.
Manager Eddie Howe has shown a lot of patience with Elanga, giving him opportunities to play and hoping he would settle in.
But patience in football can only last for so long, especially when the team as a whole has struggled to score goals, with only three in the league so far.
Elanga’s most recent performance in the cup match against Bradford City was described by many as ‘underwhelming’.
Against a team from a lower division, it was a perfect opportunity for him to build his confidence and show what he can do. Instead, he failed to grasp the chance.
This has led to a growing feeling that it might be time for a change. Sometimes, the best thing for a player going through a difficult patch is to be taken out of the spotlight for a little while.
A spell on the bench might give Elanga the motivation he needs to fight for his place and rediscover the form that made Newcastle want to sign him in the first place.
It is important to remember that there is a talented player in there. We have seen glimpses of his speed and ability during his time at previous clubs.
There is no reason why he cannot eventually become a success at St James’ Park. The system and the style of play should suit him perfectly.
But right now, his confidence seems low, and his performances are reflecting that. Continuing to play him while he is in this rut might not be helping him or the team.
Therefore, the difficult decision for Eddie Howe might be to temporarily drop Elanga from the starting lineup.
This isn’t about giving up on him permanently. It is about helping him. By giving another player a chance, like Jacob Murphy or Harvey Barnes, the team might get an immediate boost in attack.
At the same time, it allows Elanga to take a step back, work hard in training, and watch the game from a different perspective.
This can often be the catalyst a player needs to reset and come back stronger. The investment in Elanga was made for the long term, and sometimes managing a player’s journey requires a short-term setback to achieve long-term success.
For the good of both the player and the team, a break from the starting eleven might be the most beneficial step forward.
