There is one summer move that Manchester City simply must make | OneFootball

One of the most important players for Manchester City will depart the club at the end of this season. Bernardo Silva has two games left in his City career before he leaves the club when his contract expires. Replacing everything that Bernardo brings to Pep Guardiola’s side is impossible. There isn’t a player around who understands the City way more intimately than their captain. However, among all the midfielders that City have been linked with ahead of the summer transfer window, one player stands out as a player that City must sign. That is Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. Anderson isn’t a like-for-like Bernardo Silva replacement; no player is, but the best attributes of Anderson’s game look ideally suited to life as a Manchester City player.

Elliot Anderson has the attributes needed to play an important role for Manchester City.

Bernardo Silva has long provided energy to Manchester City’s play. The City captain works tirelessly for his team and has done so throughout his City career. He will continue to do so in the final two games he will play for the club. Replacing that side of Bernardo Silva’s game isn’t easy, but Elliot Anderson looms as the ideal player to fill the gap in covering the pitch that Bernardo provides.

Elliot Anderson is an all-action midfielder. On both sides of the ball, he covers the pitch exceptionally well. What makes his physical attributes even stronger is how well Anderson reads the game out of possession. Rarely is Elliot Anderson caught out of position when teams attack Nottingham Forest. He knows exactly where to be, and if he is beaten, which is rare, his pace and strength in a duel are elite. Elliot Anderson rarely loses a physical duel. He is one of the premier midfielders in the Premier League in this department. That trait of Anderson’s alone is the perfect addition to this Manchester City side.

In possession, Elliot Anderson is superb. His range of passing is excellent, as is his weight of pass. For Nottingham Forest, Anderson often plays the perfect ball for wingers to receive in space and in dangerous positions. Playing in a side that includes Antoine Semenyo, Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, and Rayan Cherki should ideally complement Anderson’s game. Also, you could see Erling Haaland thriving off of the through balls that Anderson plays. The tools both in and out of possession for Anderson, look ideally suited to prominent role in a City side.

The chart below shows the strengths of Elliot Anderson’s game. It is easy to see those translating into a prominent midfield role at Manchester City.

Final thoughts.

While Elliot Anderson isn’t a Bernardo Silva replacement, he is the midfielder who stands head and shoulders above all others that City should sign this summer. In fact, it is almost at a point that it is a no-brainer move for Manchester City to make. Nottingham Forest will command top dollar to sell their best player. There is no doubt about that. But whatever the price, City have to sign a player who would add so much to their midfield.