Elliot Anderson's performances in a Newcastle United shirt this season should have his attacking counterparts worried. A number of fringe stars are fighting to make Eddie Howe's starting XI in the absence of Allan Saint-Maximin but face falling behind the Magpies' brightest young talent.
Brought off the bench on Saturday, the 19-year-old demanded the ball at his feet and proceeded to dazzle whenever it arrived. Turning Crystal Palace defenders inside out, Anderson presented a real problem for Patrick Vieira's backline as Newcastle went in search of a winner.
Anderson was used on the left during his latest 20-minute cameo appearance, rather than the central position we've grown used to seeing in recent months. The youngster's performances on the wing mean he may be about to leapfrog a few of his team-mates in the attacking pecking order at St James' Park.
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Anderson has shown the perfect way to fight for your place in what is proving to be a competitive squad on Tyneside. His impressive pre-season has continued in recent weeks and he is grabbing his chance in the spotlight with both hands.
Fellow attacker Jacob Murphy has also had plenty of opportunities from the substitutes bench this season but has failed to show his best form in black and white. His explosive pace makes him a good option late in the game but his record in front of goal leaves a lot to be desired.
Murphy last found the net on the opening day of last season and is running out of time to prove he can continue with Newcastle on their journey to the top.
Meanwhile, Ryan Fraser looked lively in the Crystal Palace draw but has struggled with injuries in recent months and hasn't found the back of the net since March. A record of two goals and three assists last term also puts him at risk of being left behind.
Anderson may still have a way to go before dislodging Miguel Almiron from Howe's line up. But it's not unthinkable when Saint-Maximin returns to the fold.
Almiron's place in the team looks nailed on at present with Howe continually backing the Paraguayan publicly in recent months. The wide man has impressed with his performances but for all the graft and heart he offers, there is also nagging concerns over a lack of killer instinct and end product in front of goal.
Anderson, too, may not have the goals and the assists on his record to back up his potential just yet. But the former Bristol Rovers loanee is providing the type of exciting spark his fellow attackers can't compete with this season.
Newcastle supporters are desperate to see Anderson given a chance from the outset and Howe looks like he is coming around to that idea too. “He put a couple of lovely balls in with his left foot, which we probably should have done better with, so I’m very pleased with Elliot," Howe said.
"Again, he comes on, home game, pressure on him, and he wants the ball in every moment, and that’s a big positive to take.”
If Anderson continues progressing in this manner, the teenager will soon be overtaking his fellow attackers as the go-to man when Saint-Maximin is left out. It should be a big wake up call for other forwards hoping to have a future on Tyneside.
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