A major signing for Manchester City showed plenty against Bournemouth

A major signing for Manchester City showed plenty against Bournemouth Unfortunately for Elliot Anderson, his home debut for Manchester City only lasted 63 minutes. The England international was substituted due to cramp in the second half of Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth . However, it may have been Maresca’s plan to take off Anderson around that time of the game anyway before cramp struck. While Anderson was on the pitch, he showed plenty of positive signs and it is easy to see how his strengths as a player will suit this Manchester City side. For the 63 minutes he was on the pitch, Elliot Anderson gave a good glimpse into what he will add to Manchester City. Until Elliot Anderson was substituted after 63 minutes, he was nearly the best-performing player on the pitch for Manchester City against Bournemouth. Anderson played alongside Marc Guehi in the double pivot that Enzo Maresca prefers to use in midfield. With Marc Guehi playing in an unfamiliar role, Anderson was more than willing to drop in and offer Guehi an option when the makeshift midfielder had possession. That was pleasing to see and showed that Anderson had a great read on the situation at hand. In terms of what Anderson offered in possession that really caught the eye. As per Anderson’s pass map on SofaScore , the Manchester City midfielder received possession all over the pitch. When City had possession in the final third, he took up the ‘Kevin De Bruyne’ position on the right. Once Anderson and his teammates are on the same wavelength this should be a viable source for City to create chances and goals. Where Elliot Anderson’s radar was just off was with his long passing. He completed 1/4 but it was easy to see how much Anderson’s ability to switch the play and break the lines will be vital to Enzo Maresca’s side. Also, Elliot Anderson’s set-piece delivery looms as a major weapon. He should have had his first Manchester City assist just after halftime as his pinpoint corner was met by Marc Guehi. Unfortunately, Guehi headed a great chance from two yards out wide of the target. Despite this, Anderson’s set-piece delivery should be a weapon that City profit off of. Out of possession, Elliot Anderson will be crucial to his team and once he is fully fit he will build upon a promising showing against Bournemouth. One of the major strengths of Elliot Anderson’s play is his ability to cover the pitch out of possession and win duels. With how Manchester City’s win over Bournemouth played out, this wasn’t a standout aspect of his performance. But you could still see how his energy and ability to work for his team out of possession will help shape Manchester City’s rebuild midfield. Anderson won four of his nine ground duels and made one interception against Bournemouth. They aren’t spectacular numbers on that side of the ball. However, Anderson’s ability to get in the face of Bournemouth was good to observe. This side of Anderson’s game is a pronounced weapon in his game. Once he adjusts to life in an Enzo Maresca side, and Anderson regains his match sharpness, they should spike. Elliot Anderson’s performances for Nottingham Forest illustrate this, although Manchester City play in a completely different manner to Forest. All told, Elliot Anderson’s Premier League debut for Manchester City was full of promise. Perhaps the biggest compliment you can give Anderson’s performance was that he looked right at home in a Manchester City shirt. As Anderson gains match sharpness and learns Enzo Maresca’s system, he showed more than enough on Sunday to suggest that he will be an integral cog in the City machine.