Club's record signing ready to grow into Bernardo Silva role

Elliot Anderson has spoken for the first time since becoming Manchester City's club record signing, and the 23-year-old has made one thing clear: he does not consider himself the finished article. That, frankly, is a thought to sit with for a moment. A £116 million midfielder who thinks his best football is still ahead of him is either terrifying for the rest of the league or a reminder that City's recruitment model has not changed just because Pep Guardiola has left the building.

The deal, completed earlier this month, brings Anderson in from Nottingham Forest off the back of an impressive individual World Cup campaign with England. Director of football Hugo Viana said on signing that the midfielder could develop into a complete player at the Etihad, and the player's own words suggest he shares that ambition.

'Now that I'm here, I'll keep pushing and try to take this club forward. I'm only 23, I've got plenty of time to get to my best. I definitely think I'm not there yet and there's more to come.'

Anderson arrives as Enzo Maresca's priority midfield target and, more specifically, as the replacement for Bernardo Silva, who departed for Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer. It is a significant pair of shoes to fill, but the England international's description of his own game suggests he understands what is required at this level.

'I like to be intense when I play and use lots of energy around the pitch and get the fans going. I'm over the moon. I can't wait to play for this club.'

Arsenal's Declan Rice, who shared a midfield with Anderson during the World Cup, described him as 'the engine room' — a label that fits neatly with how the player himself frames his contribution. 'I think I bring a bit of everything,' Anderson said. 'I bring quality, physicality, energy. I'd like to think I'd get them excited, get them off their feet and bring energy to the team.'

That energy, he says, extends to his relationship with the ball. 'I like to think I'll take the ball at any time. I love having the ball at my feet. I'll help the team out when we're in tough times.'

Anderson's move has happened quickly — from Newcastle to Nottingham Forest to City, via a regular England place — but he insists it was always the destination. 'They're winners, relentless, and that's the sort of team I want to be a part of — champions, people who win trophies. Over the last 10, 12 years, they've dominated, so that's why I wanted to join.'

City's first pre-season game against Inter Milan is on 1st August. Anderson, by his own admission, is not there yet. The journey, however, has begun.