Steve Bruce is risking Newcastle United losing this rising star
Newcastle United are floundering just above the relegation zone this season and a lot of the blame is directed at Steve Bruce. Unfortunately for NUFC fans, Bruce could also be jeopardizing the club’s future star player in the process.
Elliot Anderson played for England’s U-19 side over the weekend against Arsenal’s U-23s. By all accounts, the 18-year-old impressed in his English debut, previously representing Scotland’s youth national team.
A valued commodity on the youth international scene, Anderson’s treated much differently by Bruce with the Magpies. He appeared twice for the first team against Arsenal this season, a brief cameo in the Premier League and a longer shift in the FA Cup.
While the reports were that Bruce rates Anderson highly and has complimented his ability, the manager refuses to give the teenager a fair shot at match time, very similar to his treatment of Matty Longstaff. Those matches were his first with the first team and fans have clamored for him to get more opportunities.
Steve Bruce is alienating Newcastle United’s most promising prospect.
But, he’s been largely left out of the matchday squad entirely and is stuck playing with the U-23s. He hasn’t made the bench for the first team since 2/6. If Newcastle hadn’t battled injuries in his position or were competing for a top position on the table, his omission from the squad would be received differently.
Instead, the club’s needed a boost of energy on the wing or at the number ten with Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron missing time and the club’s best prospect can’t even find a place on the bench.
With his treatment from Bruce, Anderson has to be frustrated and that could impact how he views the club moving forward. As a player, if you’re working hard and proving yourself, the least you deserve is a chance to showcase your skills. Anderson’s scored seven goals and added an assist in just 12 appearances for the Newcastle reserves this season. While Bruce may cost Newcastle United top flight soccer next season, let’s hope that he doesn’t cost the club their rising star in the future.