Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca believes new signing Elliot Anderson can make a significant contribution as the club adapt to Bernardo Silva’s departure.
City face Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday, with Anderson set to begin his first season at the Etihad after completing a £116 million move from Nottingham Forest.
Maresca acknowledged the difficulty of replacing a player with Silva’s experience and versatility, but believes Anderson can offer different qualities to his midfield.
“It’s a big challenge. Bernardo has showed how good he is on and off the ball over the years. But Elliot has arrived,” Maresca said.
“We are completely sure Elliot is going to do a great job for this club, no doubt about that.
“They are different players. But we’re going to try to use Elliot in the best way for him and for the team.”
Maresca confident Anderson can make an impact for Man City
Silva left City this summer after his contract expired, joining Real Madrid on a free transfer following seven seasons at the Etihad.
Anderson arrived from Forest for a British-record fee after an impressive campaign that saw him establish himself as one of the Premier League’s most highly rated young midfielders.
Maresca accepts that City’s midfield will look different this season but says his team must adapt rather than attempt to replicate Silva’s role.
“There is a change in this moment,” the City boss added. “But we need to be good enough to find solutions for the team. We’re going to try to do our best.”
Anderson has yet to link up fully with his new teammates after being given additional time off following England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals.
His first competitive appearance for City could therefore provide an early indication of how Maresca intends to integrate the club-record signing into his midfield.