Elliot Anderson’s World Cup performances show his worth to Manchester City
In discussion with former Manchester City teammate John Stones as Norway waited to discover whether or not their second goal against England would stand, Erling Haaland could clearly be seen referring to a “£150m player.” The player in question, of course, being Elliot Anderson.
Ultimately, Haaland was adjudged to have pushed Anderson prior to the corner kick that produced Norway’s goal to go 2-1 up. The City forward returned home on Monday having missed out on a place in the semi-finals while the “£150m player” in question is preparing to face Argentina on Wednesday.
Of course, Haaland exaggerated the fee Manchester City have paid to sign Anderson from Nottingham Forest with the 23-year-old swapping clubs for a reported £116m. Nonetheless, that is a fee that will put a target on Anderson’s back. It’s not just his new teammates debating the money involved.
When the World Cup is over, Anderson will pitch up at the Etihad Stadium as the third-most expensive signing in Premier League history behind only Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. City have smashed their club transfer record to land the England international who was also of interest to several other rivals including Manchester United.
They were right to be interested, and Manchester City were right to break the bank to sign him. Anderson’s performances for England at the World Cup have demonstrated how the 23-year-old is more than ready for the elite-level. He has been signed to be the centrepiece of Enzo Maresca’s new-look City side.
No England midfielder has averaged more accurate passes per 90 minutes at the 2026 World Cup than Anderson. Deployed at the base of the midfield, Thomas Tuchel has entrusted the former Forest player to be England’s pace-setter. The player who dictates the tempo and direction of their play.
Declan Rice was that player at past tournaments. With Anderson in the team, though, the Arsenal man has been freed up to perform the number eight role he performs so well at club level. Anderson has given England more security in the centre of the pitch, and not just in terms of his work in possession.
Out of possession, Anderson is a machine too. Against Norway, he covered 14.8km, more than any other England player, in stifling conditions. Only Djed Spence has racked up more defensive contributions per 90 over the course of the World Cup as a whole, giving England an extremely valuable barrier in front of the back four.
“It was so tough. So tough,” said Anderson after the quarter-final victory over Norway. Without the 23-year-old in the centre of the pitch, England might not have had it in them to make only their fourth-ever World Cup semi-final. “I was cramping up a few times [in extra time]. But the fighting spirit the lads have is amazing to be part of. The fans should be proud of the amount of fight and determination we showed.”
All of this should have the decision-makers at Manchester City feeling very positive about the transfer they sanctioned earlier this month. Anderson is perfect for the Etihad Stadium outfit, especially as they transition from the Pep Guardiola era to a fresh start under Maresca this season.
Some have questioned how Anderson and Rodri will fit into the same team. It’s true that Anderson’s role for his new side could be slightly different to the one he performs at international level for England in that the 23-year-old could be utilised as more of a number eight than a number six.
Alternatively, Anderson could take over from Rodri at the base of the Manchester City midfield in anticipation of the Spanish international departing the club in the near future. Rodri is into the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and has been linked with a return to Spain. Real Madrid are believed to be particularly interested.
One way or another, City will surely build around Anderson for years to come. Their rebuild started 18 months ago with the addition of players such as Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov and continued last summer as Rayan Cherki and Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived. Marc Guéhi and Antoine Semenyo also joined in January.
City, however, were lacking someone of Anderson’s profile. Someone who will permit Maresca to place an even greater emphasis on the use of possession and how Manchester City construct possession sequences from deep. Having Anderson servicing Cherki, Semenyo, Jérémy Doku and Erling Haaland will make them a better team.
Before joining up with his new club, Anderson has the not-so-small matter of a World Cup semi-final, and potentially a final after that, to handle. Argentina will test England like no other team has this summer. The “£150m player,” however, has already proved himself at this level. He has nothing to fear.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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