Elliot Anderson appears to be in line to make his first start for Manchester City in today’s FA Community Shield fixture against Arsenal. The England international was signed by City from Nottingham Forest and he looks destined to become a key component of Enzo Maresca’s side. Speaking yesterday, Enzo Maresca said he could see Elliot Anderson playing in a variety of roles in Manchester City’s midfield. Elliot Anderson’s versatility and all-around ability looms as an important weapon in City’s system.
Enzo Maresca envisages Elliot Anderson playing in a variety of roles in midfield for Manchester City.
Speaking on Friday, Enzo Maresca revealed that he believes that Elliot Anderson can fulfil a variety of roles in midfield for Manchester City. Also, Maresca said that there is scope to add more strings to the bow of the England international. When asked about how he plans to utilise Elliot Anderson, and what his best role is, Maresca explained: “I see him as a holding midfielder, but he can also be attacking midfielder. The good thing about Elliot is he is young, you can work with him, help him, he can be a No.8 and arrive in the box.”
“At Nottingham Forest he was next to Ibrahim Sangare, and with England he was with Declan Rice, so he has had physical players next to him. I think he doesn’t need a physical player next to him.”
“I have seen many good things from him. On the ball, off the ball in terms of personality at Forest and the national team. I like when players can play in different positions and as I said with Elliot he can play six, eight. And he is good in both positions.”
The versatility, and ability, of Elliot Anderson could wind up being crucial to Enzo Maresca’s side.
Enzo Maresca is clearly excited about what Elliot Anderson brings to Manchester City. Maresca has an all-action midfielder at his disposal who is ideally suited to how the Premier League has evolved. Winning duels and physicality are key areas of Premier League matches now. Anderson is elite in this aspect of the game. In possession, Anderson is a line-breaking midfielder whether that is with his passing or dribbling. There is another aspect to Anderson’s game that could be huge for his team. That is his versatility.
Enzo Maresca feels that Elliot Anderson is a holding midfielder, or a number six. There will be times when Anderson will play that role. However, it does seem that who Manchester City play, and who partners Elliot Anderson in midfield could open up other roles for Anderson to play. There does seem to be plenty of room for improvement to come from Anderson in the final third. As Enzo Maresca said, Anderson could eventually become a number eight or offer tremendous value as an attacking midfielder. The quicker that Anderson makes that step, the more dangerous he will be for Manchester City.
Enzo Maresca is excited by the versatility Elliot Anderson has in his game. The Manchester City manager can see Anderson playing in a variety of roles for his team and if that is what transpires, City will have a dangerous midfield powerhouse on their hands.