Elliot Anderson: My First Thought at Manchester City Is Finding Erling Haaland
Manchester City midfielder Elliot Anderson revealed his primary focus ahead of the derby against Manchester United is finding star striker Erling Haaland on the pitch.
Elliot Anderson arrived at Manchester City this summer for £116 million and has quickly learned what is expected of him at his new club. Ahead of the derby against Manchester United, the England midfielder shared that every time he receives the ball, his immediate thought is to look for Erling Haaland.
The Quest for Haaland
"We have a responsibility to create chances for him, and my first thought right now when I get the ball is 'Where is Erling?'" Anderson said. "I think that's the best thought you can have in your head. Obviously, he is a very dangerous goalscorer, and if we can provide him with good passes and good opportunities, he will be very happy."
Haaland himself comes into the derby in excellent form, having scored five goals in his last three matches. Anderson already added spice to the encounter when, upon his arrival at City, he described his new club as the "kings of Manchester." However, he claims his connection to the club began long before his summer transfer.
Childhood Memories and Massive Spending
"Deep down I am of course a Newcastle fan, but you always have a second team, and for me that was Manchester City," the 23-year-old midfielder shared. "I was about seven or eight when I started following the club and I really enjoyed it. My grandfather bought me a Manchester City shirt, and I've supported them ever since."
Anderson was part of a massive summer spending spree by City totaling £458 million as part of a squad rebuild under Enzo Maresca. Alongside him arrived Enzo Fernandez for £125 million, Ayyoub Bouaddi for £86 million, Iliman Ndiaye for £65 million, and Alan Elias for £34 million.
"I don't pay too much attention to the price tag because I'm not the one paying the money. For me, it's more about good players. The players who came to us and also those who joined United are top-level players," Maresca said.
Maresca was asked about the staggering sums paid and replied that he does not judge players by their fees, noting that the transfer market has simply become crazy and clubs must adapt.
