England midfielder Elliot Anderson has identified teammate Declan Rice as a significant source of inspiration for his own development on the pitch, as both players aim to solidify their positions in Thomas Tuchel’s side for the ongoing World Cup challenge. The pair were central to England’s opening group stage victory last week, a 4-2 triumph over Croatia, and are anticipated to feature again when the Three Lions face Ghana on Tuesday.
Anderson, a 23-year-old Nottingham Forest player, is expected to earn his 11th international cap. He expressed his admiration for Rice, the Arsenal linchpin who is participating in his fourth major international tournament. Speaking to ITV about who he has learned the most from, Anderson stated: "I’m going to say Dec. I think just watching Dec all season, playing in an England shirt. Although I’m playing alongside him, and we’ve got slightly different roles, I just think I love him as a player and I like to watch him and take things from his game. He’s been unbelievable this season for Arsenal. He’s someone I look up to."
Anderson himself has been the subject of considerable transfer speculation, with reports earlier this month suggesting that Manchester City had a £120 million bid for him rejected. Should City return with an improved offer, it would exceed the £105 million Arsenal paid West Ham for Rice in 2023, a move that made Rice the most expensive English player at the time.
Defining his role under manager Thomas Tuchel, Anderson highlighted his focus on control and creativity within the team. He explained, "I’d like to say getting on the ball and giving the team control, and then getting our attacking players on the ball really, moving the ball forward. We want to play exciting football, we want the fans to watch and be on the edge of their seat and my job is to get the ball to the attackers and let them do their stuff."
Ahead of their second group stage fixture against Ghana, which will take place in Boston, Anderson noted Tuchel’s emphasis on refining possession and encouraging greater self-expression from the players. He added, "I think just being tidy, being tidy on the ball, showing more of what we can do on the ball. We’re a very athletic side and we’ll give them a really tough match, but just being tidy with the ball and being more clean."
Source: ITV