Anderson: I always dreamed of playing for Man City

Elliot Anderson has revealed he dreamed of playing for Manchester City as a youngster, after joining the club from Nottingham Forest this summer following England's World Cup bronze medal.

The 23-year-old midfielder has been a key figure in Enzo Maresca's side, who have won all of their matches so far in the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.

"I think it's very exciting," Anderson said of the rebuild under Maresca. "Obviously there's been big change and a new manager, a lot of players that have left, a new era as you could say, but every era has started like this and this is hopefully the start of a new one."

Anderson began his development at Wallsend Boys Club — an academy that has produced over 50 professional players — before joining Newcastle United's academy at Under-8 level. He made his first-team debut for the Magpies at 18 in a 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal, followed less than two weeks later by his Premier League bow, also against the Gunners.

The England international credited his grandfather's advice as a guiding influence throughout his rise. "The best piece of advice was what my grandad gave me — he just used to say 'the hard work that you're putting in' — and I know everyone seems to say it but it's so true," Anderson said.

During his time in Newcastle's youth setup, Anderson faced City's academy on multiple occasions and recalled heavy defeats that left a lasting impression.

"I would remember coming down here and we'd just get pumped every time — 10-0, 8-0, 9-0 — and it was always quite tough because I'd go back up to Newcastle and I'd be thinking I'm miles away and all these players are so good," he said.

"I always used to think it would be so good playing for that team and winning those games and stuff, and it's quite strange because I'm here now and playing for the first team, which is quite surreal."