Elliot Anderson has had quite the start to his international career with England, leading to a remarkable claim about Thomas Tuchel’s midfield once Jude Bellingham returns.
Anderson’s England debut was praised in the media as the Nottingham Forest star controlled the midfield, albeit against weaker opposition in Andorra.
Among an entire nation of impressed onlookers, Stan Collymore hailed Anderson’s debut, which he has followed up with another strong showing for Tuchel’s side in the 5-0 victory against Serbia.
Another standout performance has led to even more excitement over Anderson’s potential, with one reporter comparing him to one of England’s greatest players.
Elliot Anderson and Thomas Tuchel shake hands after England beat Serbia.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Elliot Anderson earns incredible Paul Gascoigne comparison
Clearly, Forest are well aware of Anderson’s ability after his brilliant first season on Trentside, which was followed up by a leading role in the England U21s retaining the European Championship over the summer.
It feels as if the rest of the country is now catching on, though, so much so that journalist Craig Hope has compared him to one of England’s greatest ever players.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Hope said: “Anderson is the big discovery of this international break. And Ally [McCoist], I’ll put it back to you, the person you know well.
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“There’s something of Paul Gascoigne about him. The gate, the arms, the physique. I think Anderson’s wonderful and for me they should build the team around him, not Jude Bellingham.”
Being born in the north-east himself, the Gascoigne comparison will be particularly special for Anderson, given he was a hero in the local area as well as for England as a whole.
Arguably, though, the Jude Bellingham claim says more about how impressive he’s been for Tuchel, with Hope suggesting that England’s current top star will have to play a supporting role to the brilliance of Anderson, given his complete midfield performances.
Elliot Anderson’s role in Thomas Tuchel’s England explained
Over the two games in the international break, it became clear that Anderson’s role in Tuchel’s tactics can help get the best out of Declan Rice, who has more licence to go forward with the Forest man there to cover.
However, according to Hope, referring to Anderson as some sort of midfield ‘6’ doesn’t go far enough to explain the importance of the Reds midfielder.
Hope continued: “I think referring to him as a six doesn’t really do him justice. A six is someone who just sits in and dictates. Elliot Anderson gets around and dictates.
“Yes, he started in that domain in front of the back four, but he was everywhere and he’s such a progressive, brave, courageous passer. He’s the player Michael Carrick always threatened to be for England and never really was.”
Anderson has clearly made a good impression for England in September; all that is left to do now is to keep impressing to cement his place in the World Cup squad.