'I'm getting a poster of Dedic put on my wall'

Former Newcastle defender John Anderson has a new favourite Magpies player in Amar Dedic following the full-back’s impressive start on Tyneside.

After Newcastle beat Tottenham 2-0, Anderson praised a number of the individual performances from Mathias Jaissle’s side.

“I’m always cautious,” he told BBC Radio Newcastle. “It’s only two games in, but there’s more encouraging signs than there is negativity, that’s for sure.”

“Nico Gonzalez came in and had an excellent debut. Anthony Elanga looks like a new player compared with last season, when he came in for a lot of criticism. Yoane Wissa the same. They’re like two new signings as well because of the way that they’ve played in the opening games. Lewis Miley came into midfield and just strolled – he and Gonzalez bossed it in there.

“Defensively, we were worried. I was worried about Sven Botman coming into the season because his form in pre-season had been really poor. But, he and Malick Thiaw are building up a good relationship.

“I’m getting a poster of Dedic put on my wall. His energy and fitness levels are unbelievable. He just gets up and down and he doesn’t look like he’s breathing. Lewis Hall’s second half was brilliant defensively.

“When Lukas Hornicek was called upon in the first half he made good saves – he did what he had to do.

“It’s only three games in but you’ve won two and drawn one. It builds belief and confidence.”

Listen to more from John Anderson above or on BBC Sounds.