Elliot Anderson has made a strong start to his Manchester City career. The England international has firmly established himself as a key component of Manchester City’s midfield. His tireless work rate, ability to win duels and quality in possession make Anderson a fulcrum in City’s midfield. However, as impressive as Anderson has been, there is a frightening prospect for Manchester City’s opponents. Anderson barely scratched the surface of the quarterback he could be. It’s an interesting prospect to consider, as Enzo Maresca raised the possibility yesterday.
Enzo Maresca believes Elliot Anderson has the ability to play in a more advanced midfield role.
The Manchester City manager has used Elliot Anderson mainly as a number six in midfield this season. Anderson’s boundless energy makes him a quality No. 6. Combining this with his possession quality and strengths in duels, Anderson is the player to build the midfield around for City. Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League tie against RB Leipzig yesterday, Enzo Maresca explained that Anderson has the ability to play as a number eight in midfield. Maresca believes Anderson has the ability to step in and add more goals to his game. He explained: “I think he is playing the best position for him right now. This is a holding midfielder like a six.“
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“Of course, in the future, he can also be the eighth and come to the box. He has a good pass and I think he can score more goals.”
“At the moment I’m trying to get to know them all properly. It’s been four months now, I need to get to know them better and they need to get to know me better. It is on both sides. But it certainly could be the number eight that comes inside the box.”
Elliot Anderson will be a complete midfield weapon for Manchester City after adding more goals and assists to his game.
It didn’t take long for Elliot Anderson to show why Manchester City were so keen to sign him from Nottingham Forest. Anderson was Manchester City’s standout player along with Erling Haaland in the 2026-27 season. It is a credit to the 23-year-old midfielder that he shrugged off any pressure over the heavy price City paid to sign him. Since Anderson is only 23 years old, this speaks volumes for how much he can develop as a player.
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Elliot Anderson has the potential to add goals and assists to his game. Sometimes Anderson acts like De Bruyne. Anderson will never be a midfielder like De Bruyne. There will be no players. However, Anderson’s passing game has the same characteristics as De Bruyne. In time, it would not be a surprise to see Anderson become a regular assistant for Manchester City.
Also, Anderson has the potential to score from midfield. As he develops or plays alongside Ayyoub Bouaddi more often, there’s no reason why Anderson can’t follow in Rodri’s footsteps and add goals while playing as a number six.
Although Elliot Anderson is already good as a player, he has only scratched the surface of what is to come. Manchester City already have a monster in midfield in Anderson. Once he develops and consistently adds goals and assists to his game, he will be a nightmare for Manchester City’s opponents.