A new dimension seems set to be added to the Manchester City midfield | OneFootball

For the past week, it has seemed that Manchester City are on the verge of completing a record-breaking deal to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. Fabrizio Romano reported last week that City were confident of signing the England international. Now two new reports have emerged that state City and Forest are edging closer to agreeing on a deal that will see Elliot Anderson sign for the Carabao Cup and FA Cup holders. Once Manchester City complete the signing of Anderson, he’ll bring a new dimension to Manchester City’s midfield.

Manchester City are seemingly on the verge of landing the midfielder they desperately need.

Two fresh reports have emerged stating that Manchester City and Nottingham Forest are close to agreeing on a deal that will see Elliot Anderson finally become a City player. Firstly, Tom Collomosse has reported for the Daily Mail that City and Forest are set for a fresh round of talks in the next 24 hours to hopefully complete the Elliot Anderson deal. Furthermore, Collomosse reports that Nottingham Forest have been holding out for a total package of up to £130 million to sell one of their prized assets. This package would exceed Alexander Isak’s £125 million move to Liverpool from Newcastle last summer, which would be a British record if, or when, the deal is complete.

Alex Crook and Ben Jacobs have reported for TalkSport that Manchester City are close to finally agreeing on a deal to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. Furthermore, it is reported that City and Forest are now in advanced talks over the proposed transfer. It is also reported that Manchester City’s next bid for Elliot Anderson is likely to arrive ahead of England’s third group stage game of the World Cup where Thomas Tuchel’s side faces Panama. If Forest accept City’s bid for Anderson, it is expected that the energetic midfielder will complete his City medical while away with the England squad for the World Cup.

Elliot Anderson will add energy, tenacity and the ability to win duels to Manchester City’s midfield.

Unless Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis changes his demands to sell Elliot Anderson, Manchester City looks poised to sign the England international. Anderson is now firmly established as one of the premier midfielders in the Premier League and a move to Manchester City looks to be the ideal move for him. In terms of what Anderson will add to City’s midfield, his energy and quality in possession will be a great addition to City’s engine room. However, Anderson’s ability to win duels and possession has the potential to add a new dimension to Manchester City’s midfield.

Elliot Anderson is elite in winning back possession in midfield. His work rate and tenacity are key components of his play. As per Squawka, Anderson won possession 306 times last season. He was by far and away the Premier League leader in this statistic. The next best in this category in the Premier League was Wolves midfielder Andre. Anderson’s ability to win possession will give City extra bite in midfield which will be a massive boost to them given how the Premier League has evolved.

Where Elliot Anderson wins possession coupled with his ability to win duels opens up more options for City.

Also, where Anderson wins possession will be of great benefit to City. He led the Premier League for winning the ball in midfield as he did this on 154 occasions. In the defensive third, Anderson won possession on 127 occasions, which shows how well he reads the game. Both of those traits will perfectly complement Manchester City’s midfield and add a dimension to City’s engine room they have sorely lacked at times. Having said that, City are typically dominant in possession, unlike Nottingham Forest, so those numbers may drop when Anderson finally becomes a Manchester City player. Where City are susceptible is on the counter. Anderson’s ability to cover the pitch and win duels in the defensive third should help tremendously in this regard.

Elliot Anderson also won the most duels in the Premier League last season with 297. That ability will be a crucial addition to the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. For example, if City have Anderson and Rodri in midfield, they’ll have two players who can snuff out danger and propel City forward. Anderson’s ability to get all over the pitch should greatly benefit City, and Rodri, if as expected Anderson signs for City.

Also, City will be gaining a tremendously gifted technical player who should only improve in possession in their system. Anderson is 23 years of age with his best years ahead of him. That is saying something given how good he already is as a player.

Final thoughts.

Manchester City are seemingly finally on the verge of signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. Provided that there are no late hiccups, City will be adding a midfielder who will give them a new dimension in midfield. Elliot Anderson’s ability to win possession and duels looks to be the perfect complement to what City already possess. Yes, Elliot Anderson is likely to be a British record transfer. However, given what he’ll add to City’s midfield, it has the potential to be money well spent.