£55million summer transfer Elanga is up against a long-time fan favourite for a starting position on the right wing
Thomas Fair Community Editor and Chronicle Live readers
14:00, 11 Oct 2025
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe(Image: David Winter/Shutterstock)
Newcastle United supporters remain divided over who should start in the right-winger position. Anthony Elanga and Jacob Murphy are both vying for it.
The £55million spent on Elanga led many to presume the Sweden international would nail down the spot in the starting XI, usurping Murphy, who has just enjoyed his best season in black and white.
Some fans in the Chronicle Live comments sections know who they consider to be part of the squad’s strongest XI. 30-year-old Murphy signed for Newcastle back in 2017, and has worked his way up to become a key part of Howe’s squad.
He scored nine goals and registered 14 assists in all competitions, stamping his name on a landmark year for the Magpies. Elanga arrived from Nottingham Forest in the summer with the aim of giving Howe at least another quality option on the right wing, but the team has not yet seen the best of the 23-year-old.
He was a major part of Forest’s impressive campaign last time out, with six goals and 11 assists, but has precious little to show for his efforts in terms of goal contributions this season.
It’s a dilemma for Howe as he considers who should start against Brighton when the team returns from the international break.
On our Facebook page, Adam Wake says: “For me I’d start Murphy, he’s a better crosser, especially for giving Woltemade better deliveries. Elanga would be awesome as a super sub, his speed and fresh legs could really hurt a team down that wing after they’ve chased Murphy all game.”
Ravi Singh Johal agrees: “It’s not a tough call at the moment. Murphy all day. He did more in a 20 min cameo than what Elanga did in 70 mins on Sunday. Elanga needs to adapt to how we play. Coming off the bench is the only way forward for that.”
Paul Wilson writes: “Based on the last game, I would start Murphy and Barnes. We played better when they came on! Put some pressure on Elanga and Gordon.”
However, Fred Stephen disagrees: “Stick with Elanga. He was brilliant in Brussels and he will improve the more minutes he plays & gets used to the way we play. He is faster and more skilful than Murphy.”
Scott Berry adds: “Elanga’s better than Murphy all day. Murphy has improved under Howe definitely, but I give Elanga the edge on that duel.”
For others, it’s a good sign that fans are having this conversation at all. Tony Williamson says: “Stats were very similar last season for both players. It’s good competition for the right-wing position. Strength in depth needed for Europe, which wasn’t there two seasons ago.”
Johnctt writes: “Can’t add much more, great options to have. Just like to give a big thumbs up to Murphy for always giving 100% even when not starting regularly. Same with Krafth, they never sulk, are always supporting and reliable. These type of players are priceless regarding the long term success of the club.”
Mon_dieu says: “We are in four competitions. There is going to be more than enough football time for everyone. It is a squad game these days.”
MC Fergz adds: “It’s not a dilemma, it’s a great choice to have and the ability to sub one off at 60 minutes for fresh legs on both wings is a great tool to have. Neither should be run into the ground this season.”
Ross Cowell writes: “Murphy is the better option when we need to break teams down who are playing a low block. Elanga is better when we rely more on quick counter attacks against stronger teams, exactly how he played at Nottingham Forest.
“Elanga would have three or four assists, but players have missed sitters. Not really a lot he can do about that. He can definitely improve though overall. For now I’d stick with Murphy. His passes in behind the oppositions defenders are brilliant. Exactly what we need against weaker teams. Played two or three great passes when he came on last match.”
Have your say! Where else on the pitch is there a conversation to be had about your “strongest XI”? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.