Elliot Anderson

Anderson's defensive work rate stands out immediately, closing down passing options aggressively and forcing opponents into rushed decisions rather than waiting for the ball to come to him. Once he has won possession he does not simply lay it off to the nearest teammate, instead carrying it forward through midfield and inviting pressure onto himself to open space for others. That mix of pressing intensity and ball carrying makes him a genuine link between defence and attack.

The question a player like this eventually faces is whether relentless energy translates into composure in the biggest matches, when a rushed decision under pressure costs more than in a routine fixture. Running hard covers for a mistake far more often in an ordinary game than against a side that punishes every loose touch. Watch how his decision making holds up when City chase a result late against the toughest opponents.