Trevan Sanusi reveals message from Eddie Howe and why he picked Newcastle
Teenage sensation Trevan Sanusi has been discussing his hopes for the 2024/25 season, Eddie Howe, comparison's to Allan Saint-Maximin and his decision to join Newcastle last summer following an impressive pre-season.
The 17-year-old caught the eye in recent friendlies in Japan and St James' Park and caused havoc in the U21s' clash with Sunderland on Monday, making many believe he could be the latest youth talent to break into the first-team this season.
He's revealed that Howe has told him to "improve physically" so he can cope with the demands of Premier League football and challenged him to score more goals in our youth set up, with the winger hoping he can "fill in" if there's injuries to Anthony Gordon, Miguel Almiron or Jacob Murphy.
Asked about Howe's demands and his hopes of playing more first-team football this season, he said: “Eddie (Howe) has told me to improve physically - because it's obviously going to be more of a challenge against bigger and better players.
“He's just trying to help me and wants me to get more goals. My goal for the season is to get more goals, more assists and be more effective in games. He's helped me with that aspect of things.
“I'm just trying to take small steps to make sure I'm on top of my game and trying to improve on it. Every aspect of my game has to improve if I want to get there and be effective in the team. It's down to me ain't it? I'm just going to try my best and hopefully make it one day.
“I'll be trying to get goals and get in the team, that's it really. If [Anthony] Gordon were to get injured or even on the right wing [Miguel] Almiron or [Jacob] Murphy gets injured I'll try to fill in their place.”
Speaking to Newcastle World, Sanusi then explained why he turned down a number of Premier League clubs to join Newcastle last summer:
“I saw a big project with young players coming through into the first team," he said. "Lewy Miley making his debut, coming in and starting games and being effective in the team. I'm just trying to do the same thing and obviously make my debut one day.
“It's difficult obviously going through the ranks with different age groups, with big differences from 18s to 21s to the first team. I'm just going to get my head down and keep working hard.”
Sanusi then commented on the comparisons to former Mag Allan Saint-Maximin. “I've seen the comparisons with Saint-Maximin! He’s a great player who I watched before I even came to the club. I saw him just before he left, and I do see similarities between me and him - but I'm just trying to be myself. It's nice to see the crowd get hyped when I do a bit of skill - but I'm just doing my thing.
“I'm just trying my best. It's nice to see the crowd get a little bit hyped when I do a bit of skill but I'm just doing my thing. I'm not really worried about the fans but obviously if I'm doing well the fans will back that up.”
Finally, the winger explained why he won't be leaving on loan this summer: “I've just been here for a year and I'm only 17 so I think I've got a bit of time to think about that sort of stuff so I'm not really keen on that right now - I just want to break into the first team."
