Jamie Carragher is convinced that Elliot Anderson has firmly cemented his status as one of the Premier League’s elite midfielders, ranking the Manchester City star just behind Arsenal’s Declan Rice.
Anderson has made a significant impact since completing his £116million transfer from Nottingham Forest this summer, and Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Liverpool was arguably his most compelling statement yet.
The England international controlled substantial periods of the match at Anfield, helping City preserve their flawless Premier League start and further justifying the substantial fee paid for his services.
Carragher highlights Rice and Anderson
Speaking after City’s victory, Carragher suggested Anderson is already challenging Rice for the summit of the Premier League midfield rankings.
As reported by the Daily Post, Carragher said: “You’re now looking at arguably the best midfield player in the country alongside Declan Rice.”
However, the former Liverpool defender still ranks Arsenal’s title-winning midfielder slightly higher.
“I would always put Declan Rice on top of that list, certainly at the end of last season when he helped Arsenal win the title,” Carragher added.
He also underscored the significance for England, describing Rice and Anderson as two midfielders who are “right at the top of the class in the Premier League.”
Anderson’s rise makes City look even more dangerous
It is difficult to argue with Carragher after what Anderson produced at Anfield.
Sky Sports described his performance as the ideal example of everything City want from a modern holding midfielder: strong running, aggressive tackling and intelligent distribution.
That is what makes him so valuable. Anderson is not simply a defensive midfielder who breaks up play; he carries the ball forward, dictates tempo and looks remarkably calm in big matches.
Rice remains the benchmark because of what he achieved with Arsenal last season, but Anderson is closing the gap quickly.
The most interesting part is that he is still only 23. If his development continues at this rate, Carragher may soon face a much harder decision when asked to choose the Premier League’s best midfielder.
For City, £116m is already beginning to look less outrageous than it did in the summer.
