Manchester City supporters have been given another reason to feel excited about Elliot Anderson after the midfielder revealed that former Etihad Stadium favourite Kevin De Bruyne was the player he admired most while growing up.

Anderson’s comments have sparked an enthusiastic response among City supporters, with several fans drawing comparisons between the England international and the Belgian midfield legend.

The midfielder’s admiration for De Bruyne has particularly caught the attention of supporters following a post shared by City Xtra on X (formerly Twitter). The responses have ranged from excitement about Anderson’s passing ability to suggestions about where new head coach Enzo Maresca should deploy him.

Some supporters have even questioned why Anderson was not given the opportunity to wear De Bruyne’s famous number 17 shirt.

It is clear that the 23-year-old’s admiration for one of City’s greatest-ever midfielders has struck a chord with the Etihad faithful.

Elliot Anderson reveals Kevin De Bruyne was his biggest inspiration

Anderson’s comments offer an interesting insight into the footballer who influenced his development.

Speaking about the players he admired growing up, the Manchester City midfielder acknowledged that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were idols for many young football supporters.

However, his admiration eventually became more specific as he developed a better understanding of his position and the qualities required to become an outstanding midfielder.

Anderson explained that De Bruyne was the player he consistently looked up to and wanted to emulate.

He said:

“As a kid I guess you say Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were idols for a lot of kids, but once I started to get an understanding of the game and the position I played it was always Kevin De Bruyne who I looked up to and wanted to be.”

The midfielder also praised the Belgian’s extraordinary footballing ability, highlighting how satisfying it was to watch his performances and, particularly, his passing.

Anderson’s admiration is hardly surprising.

During his remarkable Manchester City career, De Bruyne established himself as one of the finest midfielders of his generation. His vision, technical quality, creativity and ability to produce exceptional passes made him an important figure in City’s success.

For Anderson, following in the footsteps of someone he admired throughout his development must make representing Manchester City particularly special.

His comments also suggest that the Belgian’s influence extends beyond the supporters who watched him dominate English football.

‘Even when he runs, it reminds me of KDB’ – City fans spot similarities

One of the most interesting aspects of the reaction to Anderson’s comments was how quickly supporters began identifying similarities between the new midfielder and his childhood inspiration.

A supporter named V_Ndah! highlighted the resemblance between the pair, writing:

“Even when he runs, it reminds me of KDB.”

It was a particularly enthusiastic observation, reflecting the excitement surrounding Anderson’s potential at the Etihad Stadium.

Another supporter, swaggalomo, appeared to have gained a better understanding of the midfielder’s technical qualities after learning about his admiration for De Bruyne.

He wrote:

“Now I see why he passes that good.”

That comment captures one of the most appealing aspects of Anderson’s revelation.

De Bruyne was renowned for his ability to deliver dangerous passes from different positions, whether through the middle, from the right-hand channel or with perfectly weighted deliveries into the penalty area.

City supporters will naturally hope Anderson can bring some of those qualities into Maresca’s midfield.

However, there is an important distinction between being inspired by a footballing legend and being expected to reproduce everything that made that player special.

Anderson has his own strengths, attributes and footballing identity. His admiration for De Bruyne should be viewed as an exciting part of his development rather than a guarantee that he will become an identical player.

‘We need you in that right slot’ – Supporters discuss Anderson’s position

Anderson’s potential role in Maresca’s Manchester City side was another major talking point among supporters.

One fan, posting under the name Pep_talks, was particularly enthusiastic about the possibility of seeing the midfielder operating in a position where he could regularly deliver dangerous crosses.

He wrote:

“Become him my brother, we need you in that right slot, pinging crosses like the god of passing. Become him I beg.”

The comment reflects the excitement surrounding Anderson’s technical ability and the possibility of seeing him contribute creatively from the right-hand side of midfield.

Another supporter, Engr Franklyn, had a different tactical suggestion.

He wrote:

“Just make him play 10 please. Bouaddi will handle 6.”

The suggestion points towards the possibility of deploying Anderson in a more advanced midfield role, where his passing, movement and ability to influence attacking situations could become particularly valuable.

Ultimately, Maresca will have to decide how best to utilise his qualities.

The Italian has succeeded Pep Guardiola as Manchester City’s head coach, and the challenge will be to build a midfield capable of maintaining the club’s high standards while developing its new arrivals.

Anderson’s versatility could prove important in that process.

Rather than automatically assigning him the responsibility of replacing De Bruyne, City should focus on finding the position that allows the England international to make the biggest contribution.

Manchester City fans question Anderson missing out on number 17

Perhaps the most consistent theme throughout the reactions was the discussion surrounding De Bruyne’s former shirt number.

Several supporters clearly believe Anderson would have been a fitting candidate to inherit the number 17 shirt because of his admiration for the Belgian.

One fan, Footballverse, wrote:

“Would’ve loved him to be the one to take the number 17.”

Another supporter, Pext£r, expressed a similar opinion:

“Should have gotten his shirt number.”

Meanwhile, ramy wimtm is coming 11/5 was even more emphatic, describing Anderson as the rightful owner of the famous number.

The supporter wrote:

“The rightfull owner of 17, no one deserved it more than him.”

The same fan also expressed affection for Anderson, writing:

“Anderson we love u so much.”

Another supporter, The Priest, shared the opinion that Anderson should have been given the number, although his reaction also referenced another player’s allocation of the shirt.

These comments demonstrate how strongly De Bruyne’s legacy remains connected to Manchester City’s supporters.

The number 17 became closely associated with the Belgian’s extraordinary contribution to the club. It represents years of exceptional performances, important goals, creative brilliance and unforgettable moments.

It is understandable that supporters would like to see someone who openly admired De Bruyne inherit that shirt.

Nevertheless, a shirt number alone will not determine Anderson’s success. What matters most is what he produces on the pitch and whether he can establish his own identity at the Etihad Stadium.

‘Every day I love you more’ – Anderson continues winning over supporters

Beyond the comparisons with De Bruyne and the discussion about shirt numbers, the comments also demonstrated the growing affection supporters have for Anderson.

One fan, 3amwithabdul, wrote:

“Everyday I love you more Anderson.”

Another supporter, City Crip, offered a short but enthusiastic assessment:

“He knows ball.”

These reactions suggest that Anderson’s comments have strengthened the positive impression he is making among the Manchester City fanbase.

There is something particularly appealing about a footballer joining a club and openly acknowledging the influence of someone who previously represented it with such distinction.

For supporters, that connection creates an additional emotional dimension to the signing.

Anderson is not simply arriving at Manchester City with impressive footballing qualities. He is joining a club where one of his childhood inspirations created a lasting legacy.

His appreciation of De Bruyne also demonstrates an understanding of the standards expected from a Manchester City midfielder.

The supporters’ enthusiasm is therefore understandable, particularly given the technical qualities Anderson has already demonstrated during his development.

Can Elliot Anderson create his own Manchester City legacy?

The comparisons with De Bruyne are inevitable, but they should not become an unnecessary burden for Anderson.

Replacing a player of the Belgian’s quality is an enormous challenge, and expecting a new arrival to immediately reproduce his influence would be unfair.

Instead, City supporters should be encouraged by the fact that Anderson has studied one of the best midfielders of his generation.

His admiration for De Bruyne suggests that he understands the importance of vision, passing quality and intelligent movement in the middle of the pitch.

Those qualities could become valuable assets under Maresca.

The new head coach will need players capable of controlling matches, progressing possession and creating opportunities against opponents who defend deep.

Anderson has the opportunity to develop into an important part of that project.

The reaction to the City Xtra post also highlights three clear expectations among supporters: they want to see his passing ability flourish, they are interested in his tactical position, and many believe he deserved the opportunity to wear De Bruyne’s former number 17 shirt.

Most importantly, they appear excited about what he could bring to the team.

Anderson has already revealed that De Bruyne was the footballer he wanted to become. Now he has the opportunity to write his own chapter at the Etihad Stadium.

He does not need to become the next Kevin De Bruyne.

He simply needs to become the best Elliot Anderson possible.

And judging by the reaction from Manchester City supporters, the excitement surrounding that possibility is already building.