Alan Shearer believes Anthony Elanga needs to improve after his goalless record for Newcastle continued in their 0-0 draw with Wolves.
Elanga joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forest for around £52million ahead of this term, after registering 17 Premier League goal contributions last season.
The Swede has struggled to adapt to life on Tyneside up to now, with no goals and just one assist in 27 appearances and only seven league starts for the Magpies.
There are serious concerns about the way he has been playing, and Newcastle fans ripped into Elanga for the way he underperformed against Sunderland when the pressure was on last month.
His struggles continued off the bench against Wolves on Sunday, with club legend Shearer offering his verdict on why he has not been living up to expectations.
Alan Shearer says Anthony Elanga lacks belief in himself amid poor Newcastle form
Newcastle were held to a goalless draw by basement boys Wolves at Molineux, despite dominating the possession and having 12 shots on goal.
Just two of those were on target as they mustered a lowly 0.94 xG, with their struggles away from home rearing their head once more, after winning their three previous league games.
Elanga was thrown on by Eddie Howe in the 67th minute to try to change the game, but he failed in that regard, with just 14 touches, one successful dribble and one accurate cross from three attempts.
Shearer attempted to sum up his issues on the Rest Is Football podcast following the game, saying: “Elanga (is) really, really struggling for form and for confidence. (He) looks really bereft of any belief in himself.”
What has Eddie Howe said about Elanga’s poor form?
Elanga is not the only summer signing struggling for form at St James’ Park, as Shearer admitted that Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey have not hit the heights expected of them either.
The 23-year-old attacker has certainly been the Magpies’ worst addition, though, with manager Howe recently outlining what he thinks about his poor form.
He said: “Anthony will be fine. He’s an incredible professional. My big wish is he plays in an environment where he feels safe and free to express himself.
“There’s no denying the qualities he brings to the team. He’ll need a bit of time to find his best form but I’m confident he’ll get there.”
He also namechecked two of Elanga’s teammates and their previous woes, adding: “We’ve seen players who have taken time to find their best rhythm, Anthony Gordon, Joelinton. We see Anthony (Elanga) every day and see his qualities. He’s a unique player, there’s not many like him.“
The Newcastle boss clearly needs to find a way to get the best out of him very soon, especially now that a club icon like Shearer has had his say on where he thinks he is going wrong.
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