There’s a joke at The Quarters, that such is Harry Anderson’s versatility by the end of the season there’s every chance he would have played some minutes in goal.
James Belshaw’s staggering consistency in keeping Anssi Jaakkola on the bench probably rules that out, in practice, but the sentiment is what matters as Anderson has become Joey Barton’s Swiss Army knife - capable of playing anywhere and everywhere and delivering, no matter the situation or opposition.
At last count, the 25-year-old has played at various times either from the start of games or during a match: right and left-back, left wing-back, right midfield, attacking midfield, right and left wing.
On Tuesday against Crawley Town, Sam Nicholson’s absence meant he was thrust into the right-wing berth, seven days after finishing the home win over Barrow at left-back and three days after a stint down the left wing at Newport County.
But while focusing on Anderson’s versatility is understandable, given how useful that makes him to Joey Barton in either plugging holes in the team or being able to rotate players mid-game to give the side a different balance, it also does him a slight disservice.
He doesn’t conform to the classic “jack of all trades, master of none” cliche that often befalls utility players, because no matter where he starts or finishes the game, Rovers know exactly what they’re going to get: relentless energy in and out of possession, absolute commitment in either trying to stop the opposition or break them down and a selfless attitude that is for the benefit of the team. Not to mention the odd moment of class, as was displayed against Crawley.
Notice the intensity of his run on the overlap to demand the inside pass from Antony Evans as the hosts’ defence looked cumbersome in comparison. Anderson then has the composure to drive to almost the byline before drilling what appears a comfortable, but in reality isn’t, finish low into the far corner.
He is, in many ways, the ultimate teammate and although Barton named Josh Grant as his “favourite player” earlier this year, due to his high football IQ, you get the feeling that in terms of what he brings to the squad as a whole, Anderson has to be a close second. Hence why Barton rather affectionately refers to him as a certain beloved and often under-appreciated Liverpool star.
“I laugh with him and call him James Milner,” Barton said, in the wake of Rovers’ 2-1 victory. “He likes Milner as well, but that’s who he reminds me of. He’s played left back for us, left-wing back for us. He’s played centre-mid and again I think his natural position (right midfield) is where he played tonight.
“Whenever we move him onto the frontline in one of those three spots, he’s produced goals. He’s been a superb signing. He never causes you a moment’s bother. He does everything right.
“He’s got himself in fantastic physical shape, probably the best shape of his career and he’s getting the rewards on the pitch. He is in many ways the epitome of what we’re looking for in our team and our squad.
“As you rightly point out if I ask him to play in any other position he doesn’t sulk and moan he just gets on with it and plays that position to the best of his abilities.
“He will obviously want to play in that position where he’s played tonight because that probably is his natural position or at least where he’s played most.
“I think he’s done well when he’s flipped over to the left hand side. So, competition for places. Sammy Nich out tonight is a blow, but Harry has took the jersey on and obviously got a goal and as you rightly pointed out, him and Hooley superb down that right-hand flank.”
What’s interesting about Anderson’s impact, both on the field and how he conducts himself around the club, is that it was largely unexpected and has been a pleasant addition to his on-pitch talents.
He was recruited last summer to provide energy, width and penetration in a 3-4-3 which Barton thought would be his eventual formation. But since moving to north Bristol, Anderson has exceeded all preconceptions of what he can do.
The performances may have largely gone to script, as his relentless pressing and commitment in tracking back and hounding opposition attackers is widely appreciated by the management, fanbase and his teammates, but his professionalism around the club has particularly stood out.
When Barton brands him the “epitome” of what he wants from a player, that’s down to his willingness to sacrifice whatever ego he may possess for the team in playing a position and how he reacts to those decisions.
Not once is he understood to have grumbled about where he might be playing or if he may even be in the starting XI; always receptive of what the manager wants and what’s best for the team, Anderson’s attitude has remained on a consistent level.
He also played much of the first half of the campaign with a persistent heel problem, which caused constant pain, often limiting his acceleration and just general comfort on the field. But not once did he ask to sit games out.
His commitment to the cause further evidenced by the fact that, among outfield players, only Connor Taylor has played more minutes that Anderson’s 2,482 this term, and with the greatest of respect to the qualities of the impressive centre-back, who is having an exceptional season, the energy he expels and the ground covered over 90 minutes is unlikely to be at the same level as his teammate’s.
As Barton referenced, his work in the gym and general lifestyle has also helped set and maintain standards for others and it’s not the first time the 25-year-old has generated such affection from a manager towards him.
Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley, who worked with Anderson at Lincoln City, was spotted at the Mem during Rovers 2-0 win over Sutton United last month and although he may have been giving away trade secrets slightly, or covering up the real reason for his trip to north Bristol, he made his reasons clear when speaking to Hampshire Live.
“I saw Harry Anderson, who was one of my ex-players,” Cowley said. “I love Harry and saw him score after four minutes. I bought him luck, that was good to see.”
He probably won’t appreciate the moniker but Anderson is very much the manager’s dream who is perhaps much more than just a Swiss Army knife to Rovers.
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