Anderson speaks out on Rodri challenge at Man City and his Man United comment
· Jeremy Cross · 2026-08-13T05:11:56+00:00 · nguồn gốc
The prospect of filling the boots of Rodri would fill most footballers with a sense of utter dread. Because, let's face it, the new 'King of Spain' is ruling the game like no midfielder on the planet right now.
Rodri winning the World Cup this summer reminded the game what a special talent he still is. Someone who will leave a huge void in the blue half of Manchester, should City and Barcelona agree a deal for the 30-year-old before the transfer window closes.
But instead of anticipating the challenge ahead with a feeling of huge apprehension, new signing Elliot Anderson believes he can achieve mission impossible if required.
Throw in the fact Anderson has arrived at the Etihad at a cost of £116million, making him the club's record signing, and the pressure on him to succeed is immense. Yet the England international insists he couldn't care less about his price tag, and can be just as good as Rodri to boot.
"It will always be [attached] to me. As long as I focus on myself and my performances, that’s all I can do. It's football, isn't it?" Anderson told reporters on Wednesday.
When asked if he thought he was a similar player to Rodri, Anderson replied: "Yeah, I think so. I can be. I can do various things within midfield and I'll see where I get used. I'll play anywhere, to be honest. Creating things, driving forward, or the other role, if they ask me to do that.
"I've spoken a few times to the manager. He explained the sort of things that I need to do. There is a lot of running, a lot of energy. It's to try and control games. That is what I can do."
Anderson's representatives started talking with City months ago, before it was announced Pep Guardiola would be leaving. Anderson insists he found out about Guardiola's departure at the same time as everyone else - and that it made no difference to his decision.
When asked if it had an impact, he said: "Nope. Not at all. It's such a huge club and the players they have are the best. I think I knew of their interest shortly before the World Cup. I wanted to be surrounding myself with these sorts of players, proving myself on a daily basis."
Anderson made himself an instant hero with fans after not only snubbing a move to Manchester United but insisting the City remained blue.
Now he has stuck the boot in again on City's bitter rivals and neighbours, insisting a move to Old Trafford was never an option. Not when he has had a decade-long obsession with his new club.
He said: "I've seen a few things. It [the United comment] was blown out of proportion. I was probably eight or nine when [Sergio] Aguero scored that goal. I've been watching City for the past 10 years.
"You've got a big decision to make - and I’m confident I've made the right one."
Anderson believes helping England reach a World Cup semi-final proved he belongs on the biggest stage. But admits the semi-final defeat to Argentina in Atlanta left him heartbroken.
"I take huge confidence knowing that I can perform on a World Cup stage. Obviously I hadn't played in anything as big as that before. That was a really good test for me.
"It's really hard. I'm still sort of struggling with that now. There are highs and lows in football. It’s about how you bounce back. I’ve had three weeks to reflect on it, but now is a new season, you have to move forward."