Elliot Anderson has been urged to learn from what happened to Kalvin Phillips as Manchester City continue to target the Nottingham Forest ace.
City have had two bids for Anderson rejected but are expected to return with a third offer after making him a top target. The Reds are said to want in the region of £130 million for their star man, having turned down £121m from the FA Cup winners.
Midfielder Anderson has had a sterling couple of seasons Trentside since joining from Newcastle United for £35m. But if he does make the switch to the Etihad Stadium, pundit Chris Waddle has cautioned there are lessons to be learnt from Phillips’ time in the north west.
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Much was expected of Phillips when he signed for City from Leeds United for a reported £42m in 2022. However, he has made just 16 league appearances for the club and has had a succession of loan spells in the last couple of years.
“I can see why Anderson would go to Manchester City,” Waddle said in an interview with Andy’s Bet Club. “The only other side of it is how things went for Kalvin Phillips when he went to Manchester City.
“He thought he would be that man sitting in the midfield before Rodri got there – that player who would break the play up, win the ball, distribute it, and keep things moving. But it never happened for him.
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“I’m not saying that’s going to happen to Anderson, because he looks the part, but I always remember watching other players who did that role, and Kalvin Phillips is an example. He played for England and looked the part, but it never happened for him at City.
“That said, I think Anderson has a lot about him. He’s got a presence on the pitch, a great engine, and is very economical with his pass completion.
“He doesn't split defences and he's not an entertainer – he's a workman who reads the game well. He reminds me a lot of Declan Rice.”
Anderson is currently on duty with England at the World Cup. He played a key role as Thomas Tuchel’s side kicked off the tournament with a 4-2 win over Croatia, setting up Jude Bellingham for the Three Lions’ third goal. The 23-year-old is likely to be involved against Ghana this evening at the Boston Stadium (9pm kick-off BST).
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