Elliot Anderson has revealed that England's World Cup semi-final exit to Argentina still weighs heavily on him, even as he prepares for what could be his first appearance in a Manchester City shirt this weekend.
The 23-year-old midfielder is expected to make his City debut when the club face Premier League champions Arsenal in the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday. It will mark the start of a new chapter for Anderson following his high-profile move from Nottingham Forest.
Despite the disappointment of England's tournament exit, Anderson says he is determined to draw on the experience as he embarks on his City career. "It's really hard," he said of the semi-final defeat. "I'm still sort of struggling with that. There are highs and lows in football. It's about how you bounce back."
He added that time away from the game has helped him refocus. "I've had three weeks to reflect on it, but now is a new season, you have to move forward. I take huge confidence knowing I can perform on a World Cup stage. I hadn't played in anything as big as that yet. That was a really good test for me."
Anderson's arrival at City came with a hefty price tag — a fee that briefly stood as a record for a British player before being surpassed by Morgan Rogers's move to Chelsea. City had reportedly monitored Anderson for some time, with interest dating back to when Pep Guardiola was still in charge at the Etihad Stadium.
With Rodri's future at City uncertain amid reported interest from Barcelona — who have now reportedly lodged a new bid worth £51m for the Ballon d'Or winner — Anderson could be handed a prominent role in midfield. Asked whether he sees similarities between his own game and that of the Spaniard, Anderson said: "I think so. I can do various things within midfield and I'll see where I get used. I'll play anywhere. Creating things, driving forward or the other role if they ask me to do that."
Anderson has yet to feature for City since his move, having only just returned from an extended stint on international duty. His first taste of action under new head coach Enzo Maresca could therefore come in one of the most high-profile fixtures of the pre-season calendar.
The managerial change at City, following Guardiola's departure, has not caused Anderson to reconsider his decision to join the club. He explained that the scale of the project and the quality of his new teammates convinced him City was the right destination. "It's such a huge club and the players they have are the best," he said. "I want to be surrounded by these sorts of players, proving myself on a daily basis."
Anderson also spoke about the influence of one of City's modern greats on his development as a footballer. "Kevin De Bruyne was always the player I looked up to over the last 10 years. I loved watching him. To be here at the same club and playing where he played is special."
As City prepare for the traditional curtain-raiser against Arsenal, all eyes will be on whether Anderson can make an immediate impact and begin to justify the significant investment made in bringing him to the Etihad. With uncertainty surrounding Rodri's future, the timing of his arrival could prove crucial to City's midfield plans for the season ahead.
Based on reporting from Guardian Football.