Manchester City’s pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has received another significant endorsement after England defender Harry Maguire compared the youngster to one of the country’s most influential midfielders, Declan Rice.
Anderson’s rise over the last two seasons has been remarkable. Once regarded as a promising talent emerging from Newcastle United’s academy, the midfielder has developed into one of the Premier League’s most sought-after performers.
His consistent displays for Nottingham Forest and impressive performances on the international stage have placed him firmly on the radar of several elite clubs across Europe.
Manchester United were among the clubs strongly linked with a move for Anderson earlier in the transfer window.
However, the Old Trafford side eventually decided against pursuing a deal after determining that Forest’s valuation exceeded what they were prepared to pay.
Their withdrawal has opened the door for Manchester City, who have emerged as the leading contenders to secure the 23-year-old’s signature.
Interest in Anderson has intensified following his performances for England at the World Cup, where he formed an effective partnership in midfield alongside Arsenal star Rice.
The pair’s understanding and balance in the centre of the pitch attracted praise from supporters and pundits alike, with Anderson displaying maturity, energy and technical quality throughout the tournament.
The experienced defender admitted he was eager to assess several of England’s newer faces after he returned to the national team and was particularly impressed by what he saw from the Forest midfielder during training sessions.
“I’ve heard there are many clubs abroad after him as well, but I must say, I was not in the England squad for 12 months, and I was interested to go in in March and just see there were 10, 15 new players who I hadn’t played with,” Maguire said.
Despite sharing a dressing room with some of the country’s most established stars, the midfielder has managed to stand out through both his performances and his attitude.
Anderson’s development continues to attract attention
Maguire revealed that Anderson’s quality in training exceeded his expectations, despite already being aware of the player’s reputation before linking up with him internationally.
“And I knew he was a good player, and in training, he impressed me even more than I knew. He’s got absolutely everything. He reminds me of Declan Rice in some aspects in terms of his profile.”
Comparisons with Rice are not made lightly. The Arsenal midfielder has become one of the Premier League’s benchmark performers in recent years, combining defensive intelligence with leadership, athleticism and composure in possession.
Versatility makes Anderson a valuable target
One of the most attractive aspects of Anderson’s game is his versatility.
Modern managers increasingly value players who can perform multiple roles, and Maguire believes the midfielder possesses precisely that quality.
- Kyle Walker shares details of major Pep Guardiola’s anger and explosion at Man CityÂ
- Patrick Vieira names five qualities of Elliot Anderson, drops surprise comparison
“He’s good on the ball; he can drive with the ball. He’s got an eye for goal as well, to say he’s playing number six at the minute, but he’s one of those, I think he could play 10, 8, 6. He’s that good,” Maguire said.
The ability to operate as a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box player or an advanced playmaker significantly increases Anderson’s appeal.
Clubs competing at the highest level often require tactical flexibility across a demanding season, and players capable of adapting to different systems are highly prized.
Manchester City’s interest is therefore understandable. Although the club is entering a new era following Pep Guardiola’s departure, recruitment remains focused on securing talented young players capable of contributing immediately while also developing into long-term cornerstones of the squad.
Anderson appears to fit that profile perfectly. At 23, he combines youth with valuable Premier League experience, while his recent England performances suggest he is comfortable performing on football’s biggest stages.
