Maresca hails Elliot Anderson as a manager's dream at City

Enzo Maresca has described Elliot Anderson as a manager's dream, saying the midfielder has made an excellent start at Manchester City and has quickly become one of the first names on the team sheet.

Asked whether he was surprised by how quickly Anderson had settled into City life, Maresca said: “Knowing him now, no. He’s a guy who wants to learn every day.”

“We start with him on the video, he wants to understand, learn and improve - which for a manager is a dream because you know he wants to learn and do different things.”

Maresca recalled his first conversation with the player: “I don’t remember exactly [the first time I saw him play] but I remember the first conversation with him which was about which position, but again the feeling immediately was very good.”

“You can see how intelligent he is. It’s important,” he added. Maresca said he had known Anderson from Newcastle, where he “struggled a little bit”, and later from Forest. “I know how good he is.”

Anderson will return to face his old club Nottingham Forest this weekend for the first time. He remains highly regarded by Forest supporters, who are likely to give him a warm welcome at the City Ground.

“It’s big game for Elliot but for all of us, all the games are important,” said Maresca. “I’ve already said many times it’s not the main thing, players are human beings and the important thing is he’s a very good player, and he’s helping us.”

On the reception he expects, Maresca said: “I don’t know [what the reception will be], but I guess a good one because what he did there was important. I hope for him he receives a good reception.”

Maresca also said he is still working out where Anderson can be most effective. His midweek assist for Erling Haaland’s goal was very much in the style of Kevin De Bruyne, the player Anderson admires most, but the manager says there are many variants within his midfield and it will take time to determine who plays best where.

“In the end I’ve said many times, it’s a matter of balance,” said Maresca. “At this moment Elliot plays as the holding midfielder, but in future I have no doubt he can play a little bit more in front.”