Elliot

With traditional number nines seemingly becoming a dying breed, clubs are turning to other positions to provide the goal threat.

That makes the midfielder, particularly one with a bit of creativity who can unlock defences, a sought-after player.

England seem to have produced a number of players who fit that bill within a similar time period – although Tottenham have spent £185m on midfield duo Sandro Tonali of Italy and Portugal’s Matheus Fernandes this summer.

With the Premier League’s home grown rule in force – requiring a minimum of eight places in a club’s 25-strong squad are set aside for players produced in England or Wales – it is also expected that clubs pay a premium price for players who have come through Football Association academies.

And with Anderson and Rogers securing their moves, could Scott and Wharton be next?

Bournemouth have already rejected a £64m bid from Chelsea for midfielder Scott as they strive to hold on to the 22-year-old, who enjoyed an impressive season on the south coast, particularly from January onwards.

Scott was selected in his first England squad last November and was then called into Thomas Tuchel’s extended pre-World Cup training camp in Florida but is yet make an appearance at senior international level.

Crystal Palace midfielder Wharton has also long been a coveted player, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City all previously registering interest.

Both aged just 22, the pair highlight the plethora of English talent and potential currently available in that position.

While they may not be the best in the world right now, they are part of a group of players in their early 20s who are nearing their prime and will therefore only move clubs for peak prices.

Anderson, who played 55 times in all competitions for Newcastle United, made his debut in an FA Cup defeat against Arsenal in January 2021 before joining Bristol Rovers on loan a year later.

It was here that he completed a vital part of his education – while also figuring in what might still be the most remarkable match of his career.

Former Republic of Ireland international Glenn Whelan was player coach at Bristol Rovers, and vividly remembering the impact the confident “but never arrogant” Anderson made in the west country.

He told BBC Sport: “He just came into the building and showed his potential straight away. Nothing seemed to faze him. You could see straight away this boy was different.

“As the coach, there were certain scenarios in training when I tried to put him under a little pressure. Some kids would be a little bit more reserved and fall back. Elliot was right on the front foot. He took the bull by the horns.”

And the date 5 February 2022 was one of significance in Anderson’s development, as recalled by Whelan: “We were away to Sutton United. They were doing well and were a proper men’s team with a lot of grit. Some of the coaching team were a little wary of throwing him in against them.

“We were losing at half-time and I basically said ‘we need to get this lad on because he’s a game-changer.’ He came on and made an impact. He won a penalty and we drew. I think he played pretty much every minute after that.”

Anderson’s attitude and determination stood out as he excelled at Bristol Rovers – ending in a dramatic climax to the season.

“He just had a confidence about him to show everyone how good he was,” says Whelan. “It was not arrogance. He’d obviously had a great upbringing from his family and he had that Geordie in him.

“He played off the left wing, but if the ball wasn’t coming to him he would go and look for it. He didn’t care who was marking him. He could take the ball under pressure and make things happen.

“Elliot loved training. He wanted to learn, do the extras. He had the attitude to stay behind and get better. We could tell straight away he was going to be a top player.”

And Anderson left Bristol Rovers after one of the greatest days in their history, when they clinched promotion to League One on the final day of the season.

The Pirates started the day needing to better the result of third-placed Northampton or win by five goals more than their rivals – they won 7-0, Anderson getting the final goal with five minutes remaining to help Rovers move into the top three for the first time all season.

Anderson made his triumphant farewell chaired off by jubilant Bristol Rovers supporters.