Enzo Mariska would love to work with Elliott Anderson at Manchester City, according to his former coach. The Blues have agreed to a £116m deal with Nottingham Forest and the midfielder is expected to complete his move following a medical in the coming days.
Ange Postecoglou spent a brief spell working with Anderson in the forest last season and was seriously impressed with a player he believes can still improve significantly. While the former Newcastle youngster has a fixed role for England, Postecoglou has seen Anderson show what he can offer in midfield.
“He is outstanding,” Postecoglou told ITV. “From the outside, you know he is a talented player, but when you work with him on a daily basis, you realise there are still two or three levels in him.” He is very focused as a young player; he can probably play every midfield position in a three.
I think England suits him best when he has a fixed position. At Forest he was trying to do everything from time to time because he had that ability. From the moment he came into the England set-up, he showed real discipline. Thomas Tuchel really trusts him, and when you earn a manager’s trust, especially at an international level, it can have a significant impact. He has now made a big step at City. He would definitely love being in Enzo’s group.
Anderson has already impressed City royalty in Ilkay Gundogan, although the Galatasaray midfielder does not believe the 23-year-old will come to the Etihad as a superstar despite the premium price. Gundogan singled out Anderson’s performance against City last season as a breakthrough year for the player.
“I think he’s proven that, especially with Nottingham Forest last season,” he told ESPN. “He’s had an incredible season; he’s put in some great performances – including against City – and he’s developed quite impressively over the years. I’m sure he’ll be a fantastic addition to the City squad.
“I wouldn’t say he’s a big name. He’s someone everyone knows but I don’t think they’re signing him as a superstar; they’re signing him as a team player. He’s expensive but it’s the Premier League, where the best game is.
“People pay him and they have to pay him for a certain quality. “Manchester fans will be pleased because he gives his all for the team, which is what you want in a teammate.”
