Maresca: Anderson can play No.6 or No.8 for Man City

Photo: Timmy96 / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has said new signing Elliot Anderson is capable of filling multiple midfield roles, describing the England international as a versatile option in his squad.

"[I see him as a] holding midfielder, but he can also be attacking midfielder," Maresca said ahead of Sunday's Community Shield clash with Arsenal.

"The good thing about Elliot is he is young, you can work with him, help him, he can be a No.8 and arrive in the box," the City boss added. "I like when players can play in different positions and as I said with Elliot he can play six, eight. And he is good in both positions."

Maresca noted that Anderson has previously operated alongside dominant midfielders, including Ibrahim Sangare at Nottingham Forest and Declan Rice with England. The City manager suggested Anderson no longer requires that kind of physical presence beside him.

"At Nottingham Forest he was next to Ibrahim Sangare, and with England he was with Declan Rice, so he has had physical players next to him. I think he doesn't need a physical player next to him," Maresca said.

Asked about the demands of central midfield roles in general, Maresca pointed to Rodri as an example of a pure No.6. "In this moment we have Rodri who is a No.6 and top player. If you are a really good No.6 that is enough. If you are dynamic and can play different positions that is good."

Maresca also praised the attitude of his squad since taking charge, saying the group's willingness to learn has been evident from the first day of pre-season work.