Doncaster Rovers: Tom Anderson on ever-changing defensive partners, form and scoring goals

While that does not fully encompass a defender increasingly comfortable on the ball and one who shows real intelligence on the pitch, his commanding presence at the back will bring on such a description.

And it is pretty much his attitude towards the challenges of the game too.

When it comes to consistency of performance, Anderson has few rivals at Doncaster Rovers this season.

When it is considered that the 26-year-old has had four central defensive partners in just three months, it only increases the significance of his own excellent form.

"I just take it as it comes," he said in typically blunt fashion.

"They're all very good players that I'm playing with.

"I've just got to focus on my game and keep going.

"I've had a good partnership with every one of them and it's about keeping that going."

Anderson has played alongside Alex Baptiste, Cameron John, Donervon Daniels and Joe Wright already this season.

The identity of his partner influences whether he plays on the right or left of the central pairing but again, he does not overly concern himself with such matters.

"I'm not really too fussed," he said.

"If you go to the left you make sure you use your right foot when you can and make sure you're confident on your left foot.

"It's not that much different to be honest.

"You've got to know what you're doing on each side, be confident in what you're doing and play the game."

Anderson capped a brilliant personal start to the season with his first goal of the campaign when he headed in the equaliser at AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup last weekend.

He admits he has worked on being more of a threat from set pieces with Rovers coach John Schofield and is now looking to add more goals.

"I do think it's something I need to improve at," he said.

"I'm happy to get that first goal and hopefully I'll get a few more.

"I do quite a lot of work with Schoey. He swings them in and I just try to get my head on it.

"Hopefully I can get a few more."