Elliot Anderson is ready to fill the boots of Rodri at Manchester City, insisting he can be just as good as the Spanish midfielder. The 22-year-old joined City from Nottingham Forest for a club-record £116million, a fee that has heaped pressure on his shoulders to deliver immediately.
That pressure intensified with the possibility of replacing Rodri, should City and Barcelona reach an agreement before the summer transfer window closes. But Anderson is not fazed by the challenge.
Anderson unfazed by price tag and Rodri comparison
"It [the price tag] 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 said.
Asked if he sees himself as a similar player to Rodri, he 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."
Anderson revealed he has spoken with the manager about his role, saying: "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."
City move not affected by Guardiola exit
Anderson's representatives opened talks with City before Pep Guardiola's exit was announced, but he insists that made no difference to his decision. "Nope. Not at all. It's such a huge club and the players they have are the best," he said.
"I think I knew of their interest shortly before the World Cup. I wanted to be surrounding myself with these sort of players, proving myself on a daily basis."
Anderson reveals 10-year City obsession
Anderson has already won over City fans by snubbing Manchester United and insisting the city remains blue. He has now revealed a move to Old Trafford was never on the cards, thanks to a decade-long obsession with his new club.
"I've seen a few things (about what he said). It 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," he said.
"You've got a big decision to make - and I'm confident I've made the right one."
World Cup heartbreak fuels motivation
Anderson believes helping England reach a World Cup semi-final proved he belongs on the biggest stage. But the tournament also left him heartbroken, following the Three Lions' last-gasp defeat to Argentina in Atlanta.
"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," he added.
"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."
