Elliot Anderson: Nottingham Forest’s Rising Star and Future Premier League Sensation

Elliot Anderson has been a pivotal player for Nottingham Forest during their impressive 2024-25 season, where they secured a seventh-place finish in the Premier League, narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification while also reaching the FA Cup semi-finals. Despite the team’s struggles this season under three different coaches, Anderson has maintained his outstanding performance, standing out as the tallest midfielder in the league.

When it comes to the essential attributes of a midfielder, Anderson excels across the board. According to FBREF, he ranks first among Premier League midfielders in several categories including passes attempted, completed, progressive passes, and passes into the final third. He also boasts the highest passing distance among midfielders, placing fourth overall in the league, as well as the top progressive passing distance of any midfielder. His accumulated progressive passing distance is 3,844 meters, significantly surpassing that of notable players like Bruno Fernandes, Granit Xhaka, and Declan Rice.

Moreover, Anderson has recorded more touches and ball recoveries than any other midfielder this season. Former England and Manchester United winger Ashley Young remarked, “Elliot Anderson can do it all. He can defend, contribute offensively, and create scoring opportunities. He’s effective in tackling and moving the ball forward.”

Anderson’s vision on the pitch is exemplified by his assist on the first day of the season for Chris Wood, where he skillfully threaded the ball from behind the halfway line. In England’s recent 5-0 victory against Serbia, he provided a crucial pre-assist with a forward pass, showcasing his ability to influence the game significantly. Notably, during England’s 5-0 win over Latvia, he completed 121 passes, marking the highest number by any player in an England away match since 2008.

His capacity to transition the ball from defense to attack has been a critical asset for England. Team-mate Dan Burn praised his physicality and calmness under pressure, stating, “He always wants the ball and possesses an exceptional eye for passes.”

After an impressive debut against Andorra, Thomas Tuchel noted, “He has the physicality of a mobile No. 6. He loves to defend, engages in duels, and excels at breaking lines with his passing.”

Declan Rice expressed his enjoyment in partnering with Anderson, appreciating his confidence and seamless integration into the team’s dynamics. Anderson’s adaptability has allowed him to thrive under various coaching styles at Forest, transitioning from Nuno Espirito Santo’s counter-attacking approach to Ange Postecoglou’s positional play and Sean Dyche’s reactive strategy.

Following his transfer to Forest for £35 million, the club now expects to demand between £100 million and £120 million for Anderson, reflecting his rising value. Comparatively, this fee aligns with what clubs have recently paid for top midfielders, such as Rice and Moises Caicedo.

As Anderson continues to develop, his versatility will be advantageous for future succession planning at his club, particularly as they consider potential transitions for key players in the coming years. His recent performances have shown that he possesses not just talent but also the right mentality to thrive at a top club.

Coaches like Postecoglou have recognized Anderson’s commitment and professionalism, which suggests there is substantial room for growth in his game. Sean Dyche also highlighted his positive attitude and eagerness to learn, both essential traits for a player in the competitive environment of the Premier League.

As Manchester United looks to build a strong squad, Anderson has become a target due to his exemplary attitude and skill set, especially following their previous experiences with players who may not have matched the team’s ethos. Given Anderson’s impressive capabilities and potential for future growth, investing in him could be a key move for United, possibly mirroring their historic acquisition of Roy Keane from Nottingham Forest.