Anthony Elanga says the biggest thing he took from Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United was not a finish or a trick. It was the work that happened after training, the recovery habits and the standards that still shape how he prepares now. Elanga also says he shares a World Cup stage with Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, which only sharpens the point he is making about what stood out most.

The habits Elanga still talks about

Speaking to goal.com, Anthony Elanga said: "I can learn a lot from them. Especially Ronaldo, who I played with at Manchester United. I learned a lot from him, on and off the pitch. It's a great honour to have played with him. I just wish he would continue like this."

He was even more specific about why Ronaldo left such an impression. "How he is after training and stuff. How he handles his recovery. Lots of things."

That is the useful part of the story. Elanga is not selling a vague star encounter. He is pointing to the routine behind it, which is usually where elite habits are copied.

Sweden minutes and the chance in front of him

The other side of the story is simpler. Elanga says Sweden are 26 players, 11 can be on the field, and he has to be ready to take his chance against Japan. He also said he tries to train like he wants to play every day and has confidence in Graham Potter’s decisions.

The tournament numbers show why the selection point is still open. Elanga has made 2 World Cup appearances this season and played 44 World Cup minutes, which leaves him waiting for a sustained run. He did score 1 goal in his most recent World Cup appearance and posted a 7.9 rating in that match, so the case for more time is not hard to see.

There is also the club backdrop. Chronicle Live described him as a £55 million signing from Nottingham Forest last summer, but that fee is part of that outlet’s reporting rather than something the numbers here can independently confirm.

Elanga’s World Cup talking point is still the Ronaldo lesson, though. The memories are about professionalism, not nostalgia, and that is a fair place for a young forward to anchor his own routine.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →