Assessing and analysing Elliot Anderson: The Newcastle starlet continually linked with Luton Town

Elliot Anderson is someone who is no stranger to the Luton Town rumour mill, with the exciting teenager undergoing pre-season training with Newcastle United' first-team.

According to a report from Chronicle Live, Anderson was nearing a Luton move in January, however, the Hatters opted against a loan move because there was no opportunity to make the deal permanent.

Following a mightily successful loan stint with Bristol Rovers last time out, The Athletic have credited the Bedfordshire club with interest in the 19-year-old once more, although this time, they are not the only Championship club involved. The same article claims that Stoke City and West Brom are also considering Anderson as an option, whilst the Gas and Sheffield Wednesday are also in the running.

Using Wyscout, Anderson's data from the 2021/22 campaign is assessed and analysed to better understand the kind of player he is...

Elliot Anderson's percentile rank performance (attacking) vs other L2 wingers who played more than 1500 minutes during the 2021/22 campaign

This graph in isolation speaks volumes about what a threat he proved to be in League Two last season and justifies the fact that Eddie Howe wanted a higher level move for him. An unbelievable talent, his eye-catching performances is certainly backed up by the data.

His shots per 90, offensive duels per 90 and expected goal per 90 particularly stand out when looking at his attacking number, ranking within the top 2% for the mentioned measures.

Also an excellent dribbler and progressive in his running, he ticks a lot of boxes from an attacking sense.

Elliot Anderson's percentile rank performance (passing) vs other L2 wingers who played more than 1500 minutes during the 2021/22 campaign

Once again returning frighteningly good numbers within his passing, Anderson managed to be careful yet brave with his passing.

The accuracy of his passing, combined with ranking highest in the entire division for smart passes per 90, suggests he is someone who is exceptionally creative with the ball at his feet and tends to be successful when making these bold decisions in possession.

Elliot Anderson's percentile rank performance (defensive) vs other L2 wingers who played more than 1500 minutes during the 2021/22 campaign

Engaging in lots of defensive duels per 90, he does not seem to be too successful when compared to his positional counterparts in League Two last season, with that measure standing as the first one to be under the average mark.

Within the top 13% for pass-adjusted interceptions, it proves he can read the game well, and when combined with his excellent attacking numbers, this is a scary prospect for defenders looking to play out.

It is no shock at all to see second-tier interest, and the level of these interested clubs assessing the Newcastle starlet this summer, with his temporary signature likely to be a big boost to whichever club wins the race.