Elliot Anderson put in a commanding midfield performance for England in their World Cup win over Panama, demonstrating exactly why Manchester City are ready to pay a staggering £116 million for his signature. The 23-year-old's display reinforced his status as the future of City's midfield, with his medical at the Premier League champions reportedly scheduled in the coming days.
Anderson's Influence Against Panama
Anderson was a pivotal figure in England's cagey yet crucial victory, orchestrated by Jude Bellingham. Despite the team's struggles to break down Panama, Anderson's composure and control in the centre of the pitch were evident. He recorded more touches than any other player on the pitch (92), underscoring his role as the team's orchestrator.
His simplicity and comfort in holding the midfield allowed Bellingham the freedom to roam from a deeper role, contributing to England's attacking fluidity. Anderson also showcased his passing ability, delivering a first-half back-post cross for Marcus Rashford and a killer pass for Bellingham's goal.
Justifying the £116m Price Tag
While some argue that a player of such enormous economic value should guarantee 20 goals and 15 assists per season, Anderson's value lies in his ability to dictate play. According to sources close to the England camp, his impending transfer to Manchester City includes a medical that could take place in the coming days.
England manager Thomas Tuchel clearly views Anderson as indispensable. Despite Declan Rice being rested due to a calf issue and a yellow card, Tuchel chose Anderson over Kobbie Mainoo, a decision that speaks volumes about his trust in the midfielder. Anderson's handful of recoveries to extinguish threatening Panama breaks further highlighted his importance.
Midfield Balance and Future Prospects
One of the key issues facing Tuchel is the balance of his midfield. Including Morgan Rogers as a No.10 would require dropping one of Anderson, Bellingham, or Rice, which seems unlikely. Anderson and Rice are similar players, and while they can excel together, the pairing lacks variety. However, Anderson's performance against Panama suggests he is the heartbeat of Tuchel's team.
Two years after being offered to Wolves by Newcastle in a player-plus-cash deal for Max Kilman, Anderson is now indispensable for his country on the biggest stage. The pressure of his big-money move to City does not appear to weigh heavily on his shoulders, and tougher tests lie ahead.
