Elliot Anderson is at the centre of a reported transfer battle between Manchester City and Manchester United, with Nottingham Forest holding out for a Premier League record fee for a midfielder in excess of £110m. City have already lodged a £100m-plus offer for the England international, while United have also been in contention.
Tuchel's Endorsement
England manager Thomas Tuchel has hailed Anderson as the 'full package' after the midfielder established himself as England's most coveted player. Tuchel believes the intense transfer interest could elevate Anderson's game further, giving him the self-belief to perform like the record-breaking talent he is.
Speaking after Anderson's outstanding performance in England's final friendly against Costa Rica, Tuchel said: 'He's a top player. There's nothing more to say, he's the full package. I'm happy that he's with us on that kind of level and he's a key player for us.'
No Distraction
Tuchel insisted the speculation has not unsettled Anderson, pointing to his display against Costa Rica as proof. 'The bid? No comment! He seems not affected. It was an amazing performance against Costa Rica, he's fine,' Tuchel added.
Tuchel revealed he has left transfer discussions to assistant coach Anthony Barry, but expects Anderson to remain focused. 'I won't speak to him about it. My assistant coach spoke with him about it but I won't. It should push him because it's proof of what he's capable to do and what level he can perform.'
Tuchel hopes any transfer will not change Anderson's character: 'Even if a transfer is completed, hopefully he stays the same person. Nothing will change overnight with him if he wakes up, he's not a new player. People will try to hang around his neck this price but in reality nothing changes. He just changes the club, that's the rules of the game.'
Gordon's Barcelona Move
Tuchel has also seen Anthony Gordon complete a £70m move from Newcastle to Barcelona. Gordon delivered an impressive performance against Costa Rica, with a goal and an assist, potentially elevating him above Marcus Rashford for the starting berth on the left flank against Croatia.
Tuchel said: 'He's strongest if he plays humble and like a physical winger. That's, for me, his key strengths - acceleration, deceleration and another intense run, another intense run, helping the counter press, working defence. He is painful to defend against, especially in the heat here.'
The England boss added: 'I think he has a confidence boost because of the step to Barcelona but I hope it doesn't change his style of play because I'm very sure that's what Barcelona expect from him.'
