Anthony Elanga

[TRon]

40 minutes ago, gbandit said:

I agree, I think that side of his game will massively improve but I don’t think his touch will 

 

I'm assuming we bought him knowing his first touch isn't the best, but maybe Howe just thinks his pace and directness will hurt teams anyway. Tbf, he doesn't usually faff about, he goes for the jugular, successfully or not. Although when the defenders drop off like they have last couple of games he's been surprisingly hesitant. 

[Conjo]

That chance when he was played through on the wing with Gordon and Woltemade(?) attacking the box and no opposition close to him... All he had to do was whip the ball in between their keeper and defenders on the second touch. Instead he took another touch to go closer to the byline only to be tackled. Painful to watch.

 

That being said, 100% agree with @Groundhog63. Even if he is "PL ready" he should get more time to figure things out and learn our way of playing without people getting on his back.

 

[KingArthur]

These things are also about training. I mean when gets to the byline, Nick and Gordon (and Bruno and Joe) need to be doing the right movements. That requires practice and patterns. Woltemade was often linking the play and quite far away when the ball got to Elanga, so he had lots of ground to cover and their CBs where holding him quite strongly. Gordon was nowhere to be seen.. 

And yea, he just needs to use his pace. He has the fullback done everytime.

[Shearergol]

I liked the bit when he ran too fast for the ball and ended up back heeling it out of play then tried to claim a throw in. 

[Fak]

Definitely not his best day at the office but he kept going and didn't down tools. He'll be a cracking signing for for that one remains convinced. 

[Optimistic Nut]

2 minutes ago, Fak said:

Definitely not his best day at the office but he kept going and didn't down tools. He'll be a cracking signing for for that one remains convinced. 

 

Keep them coming and I'll stick around. 

[The College Dropout]

2 hours ago, TRon said:

 

 

Agree. But Howe wanted him regardless so you presume he's not obvlious to these weaknesses. 

I can’t think his touch and dribbling was this bad mind. I think there’s an element of nerves or confidence involved.  And also I don’t think he knows his team mate or the system yet leading to poor choices. 
 

His touches are bad. His decisions are bad. His work rate is poor. I think perhaps he’s in his head and overthinking. I think Murphy suffered from something similar. But now even in his 25 minutes he did 2 or 3 super positive things. Keeps his game simple.  Sure he gave the ball away under no pressure but that’s Jacob for ya. That will come from Elanga hopefully. 

[The Prophet]

Also worth bearing in his mind he was playing his former club today. 

 

Wouldn't be the first player to fall apart doing so.

[High Five o]

Not giving up on him and do think he will bring something to the team. 
 

But it have to be said, I have rarely been so frustrated with a player as him today. Just shocking and a first touch harder than a Bruno shot.

Almost as frustrating as  an out of form Almiron.

 

Today was shocking.

[Kid Icarus]

1 minute ago, The Prophet said:

Also worth bearing in his mind he was playing his former club today. 

 

Wouldn't be the first player to fall apart doing so.

Including in the same match.

[The Butcher]

2 minutes ago, The Prophet said:

Also worth bearing in his mind he was playing his former club today. 

 

Wouldn't be the first player to fall apart doing so.

[Optimistic Nut]

Just now, The Butcher said:

 

Anderson against us last season too. 

[Magpie Mover]

Anybody who watched Elanga and Forest last season knew what we were getting, a very fast athlete with limited technical ability. Of all the right wingers available this summer he's technically the worst.

 

He is however the kind of player that Howe likes so no surprise we bought him. Hope he turns out to be better than he's looked so far.

[Choppy Chop Chop]

So is he the boo boys new target? give the lad a break 

[Fak]

1 minute ago, Choppy Chop Chop said:

So is he the boo boys new target? give the lad a break 

 

Was he booed?

[Choppy Chop Chop]

Just now, Fak said:

 

Was he booed?

You know what I mean clevershite 

[NWMag]

In his defence there has been multiple occasions each game where has made good runs and a ball over the top could be played, but it hasn’t. 
 

I think it’s still a case of him getting used to us and vice versa, I’m confident it’s a chemistry issue more so than ability.

[RUHRLYASLEEVESUP]

56 minutes ago, Shearergol said:

I liked the bit when he ran too fast for the ball and ended up back heeling it out of play then tried to claim a throw in. 

[Whitley mag]

Think he might be a better option off the bench against tired legs and when the game opens up. Still only 23 but lacks some real basic fundamentals for a £55 million signing.

 

Need to see a bigger sample size as only seen flashes of him at Forrest, but concern would be his close control is non-existent and makes even the simplest passes look difficult.

 

I think away from home on the break he’ll be a weapon but not going to do much in these home games like today against a crowded defence.

 

 

 

 

Edited October 5, 2025 by Whitley mag

[Tsunami]

The lad is absolutely rapid and we either played it to his feet or we over hit the ball. Both were equally annoying today. Forest targeted Burn in the 2nd half with MGW pulling wide and simply winning foot races. At one point Forest had a free kick, Burn and Botman were squabbling over positioning and Forest simply booted the ball down the line for MGW to run onto and it should have led to a goal.

 

There’s work to be done with Elanga to get the best out of him.

[TRon]

2 hours ago, Shearergol said:

I liked the bit when he ran too fast for the ball and ended up back heeling it out of play then tried to claim a throw in. 

 

 

I was hoping my eyes were playing tricks with me there and I saw that wrong.  

[Heron]

Reckon he'll be an asset for us in the CL and against sides who come at us. Just not sure the whole being wide and crossing is his thing.

 

Best thing is he is somewhat different to our other 3 wingers. All 4 offer something slightly different. At present Murphy is the most productive.

[mouldy_uk]

He’ll come good, just have to accept he’s going to be a bit hit and miss some times. Also need to keep him relatively fresh when his pace is his biggest weapon. 

[Erikse]

Didn't realise that he's right footed. Howe really loves a right footed winger.

[Froggy]

6 hours ago, TRon said:

 

@Froggy will be laughing his tits off reading this.