Anderson was one of the standout central midfielders in the Premier League last season.

He topped the rankings for a number of metrics such as touches of the ball, winning possession, contesting duels and drawing the most fouls.

His influence was striking despite featuring in a struggling Forest side which had four different managers and finished only five points above the relegation zone.

The former Newcastle player’s tireless work-rate means he has effectively replaced Bernardo Silva and Rodri at City, making the step up to a side that won two trophies last season and could challenge for the title again.

Though Anderson has not fully replicated the outright league-leading dominance he showcased across several metrics last season, his underlying numbers remain elite.

He has drawn more fouls (28) than any other player in the division, while he ranks second for duels won (66) and third for successful passes (610) and touches on the ball (851).

Only Tottenham‘s Jan Paul van Hecke and Arsenal‘s Declan Rice have managed more successful passes in the opposition half and line-breaking passes than Anderson, but the City midfielder has played at least 66 minutes fewer than both.

Anderson’s deep-lying number six role means he has only one goal and two assists in 14 games this season, though he did lay on Erling Haaland’s winner against RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday.

“He has been amazing,” said Haaland afterwards. “He has had an amazing start to his City career and that is what you expect. You have to come straight in and perform.

“It is not easy to come in, you need to adapt and new players and a new coach, so he he has been impressive. Respect.”



–