New Manchester City signing Elliot Anderson has backed himself to fill the void left by Rodri, insisting he can be just as good as the Ballon d'Or winner. The 30-year-old Rodri is being linked with a move to Barcelona, and Anderson, who arrived at the Etihad for a club-record £116 million, says he is ready for the challenge.
Anderson unfazed by price tag
Despite the immense pressure of being the club's record signing, the England international says he couldn't care less about his price tag. "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."
Guardiola exit no factor
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."
City fan since Aguero's title winner
Anderson made himself an instant hero with fans after snubbing a move to Manchester United, and he has now insisted a move to Old Trafford was never an option. 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."
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."
