Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice appear to be Thomas Tuchel’s go-to midfield two for the World Cup and the Nottingham Forest midfielder has praised the Arsenal man ahead of England taking on Japan.
Anderson has emerged into one of the Premier League’s top central midfield players this season and is being courted by a number of top clubs.
Now also a permanent fixture with England, Anderson will play alongside Rice in the USA this summer.
And according to the man himself, Arsenal ace Rice has been nothing but brilliant with him.
Who has been Arsenal’s BEST attacking player this season?
Elliot Anderson explains his relationship with Declan Rice for England
There’s no doubt that the Rice/Anderson partnership will be the bedrock on which England build from this summer.
Rice is a seasoned pro as we know while Anderson is fresh to the big tournaments. Still, the Forest man has said Rice is more than helping him.
“It’s a really good partnership, he’s made me comfortable,” Anderson admitted ahead of facing Japan.
“The relationship on the pitch is really good. I’m trying to learn from the way he plays, bits of advice, putting his arm around me, building the relationship.”
Anderson also praised skipper Harry Kane, calling him one of the top professionals who he also looks up to and admires.
Could Arsenal look to sign Elliot Anderson to play with Declan Rice?
It’s going to be interesting to see how the summer pans out for Anderson and those clubs interested.
It’s unlikely any move will happen before the World Cup but this is where Arsenal will be watching with a keen eye for how the Rice/Anderson pivot works.
If it is a resounding success, it might well be a deciding factor on if the Gunners actually put themselves in the mix for Anderson as well.
Mikel Arteta is a big fan of combinations in his team – as we see with Gabriel and Saliba – so if Rice and Anderson hit it off in midfield, it could be a no-brainer.
Nottingham Forest will be demanding huge money for their star man. But Arsenal will strengthen again and if Sandro Tonali is out of reach, then Anderson might be the next best option.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
