Elliot Anderson showed Liverpool just how good he is while dominating their midfield at Anfield last weekend.
The Reds simply could not get near the Nottingham Forest general as he pulled the strings on their surprise 3-0 win.
It was the latest confirmation that Anderson has become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League after his PSR-enforced move from Newcastle United in 2024.
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Arne Slot pictured ahead of Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid at Anfield.
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His good performances for Forest and England have led to speculation that Anderson could soon join one of the country’s top teams.
Manchester City have been heavily linked with a move for the 23-year-old, but according to The Daily Mail, City are now expecting to face competition from Liverpool.
Man City expecting Liverpool to make Elliot Anderson push
Liverpool’s midfield has been a problem this season. After looking like such a cohesive unit on the way to winning the Premier League last year, that is a real surprise.
New legs may be needed, and as they search for a controlling midfielder, it is no shock that Anderson would have come onto the radar.
Nottingham Forest's Elliott Anderson pictured in action during the Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
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The Mail claim that City are looking seriously at the England international, and are now ready to make him one of their top targets in 2026.
But Pep Guardiola is reportedly aware that City will face competition from both Liverpool and Man United for Anderson, who is seen as being a talent too good to let pass by.
Forest are claimed to be not entertaining a January sale under any circumstances, but a move in the summer is said to be far more likely.
‘The word inside the Premier League’ is reportedly that Anderson could command a price-tag of somewhere between £80-100m.
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Liverpool must return to smart signings
While it may be tempting for Liverpool to go and blow another huge fee on a player like Anderson, the recent summer of spending should have taught them that it does not always pay to go for the most obvious signings.
Liverpool built their success under Jurgen Klopp on a team of players who were expertly scouted and ready to go up a level after joining.
Those such as Anderson, who are truly standing out at a lower level team, tended to be overlooked, especially if the price became ridiculous.
For whatever reason, the Reds appear to have shifted their strategy over the summer, but it has not worked at all.
Instead of looking to blow big money on more new signings, perhaps Liverpool should return to their roots and begin searching for the next Anderson who will cost half or a third of the price.
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