The game against Crystal Palace was one of those nights where things were never going to be easy. In the middle of all that chaos, Elliot Anderson helped Nottingham Forest stay steady when the match threatened to turn messy.
His performance earned him the highest rating on the pitch. In the first 30 minutes alone, he completed every single pass he attempted and pulled off five successful dribbles.
Even when Palace pressed hard, he kept asking for the ball and moving the team forward.
Forest’s Iron Man
The impressive display against Palace was nothing new, as it simply showed what Anderson has been doing all season. He is currently the only outfield player at Nottingham Forest to play almost every available minute in the Premier League, racking up more than 2,160 minutes.
Anderson’s numbers back it up, too. He showed how careful he is with the ball by maintaining an 86% pass accuracy.
He also recorded 204 ball recoveries, which underlines just how much work he does without the ball. Many of those recoveries come high up the pitch, making him a perfect fit for teams that want to press aggressively.
Why the giants are circling
According to a report from the Daily Mail, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool are all interested in signing Anderson, who is expected to cost around £100 million.
Coaches like Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot demand midfielders who can do everything. They want players who can press and still keep the ball under pressure. Anderson’s profile fits that mould almost perfectly, which explains the growing interest from the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
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At Manchester City, Anderson is seen as a potential long-term successor to Ilkay Gundogan. His comfort in tight spaces and the ability to keep the ball moving suit Guardiola’s style.
Manchester United could use him differently. Alongside Kobbie Mainoo, Anderson could finally help solve their issues in transition. The only concern is the price, with a possible £100 million fee bringing huge pressure at Old Trafford.
Liverpool’s interest also makes sense. Under Slot, intensity is mandatory. Anderson could line up well with that because of his stamina and pressing ability. He could offer a strong alternative to Dominik Szoboszlai or Alexis Mac Allister, both of whom are fantastic midfielders in their own right.
A defining summer window
This summer is going to be a defining one for Anderson.
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis will not let his prized asset go cheaply. Manchester City’s direct contact with Anderson’s camp gives them a clear edge over other clubs.
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Anderson has become a central figure in one of the most intriguing transfer stories of the summer, but we’ll have to wait and see where he ends up, as at least three major clubs in the Premier League are following him closely.