What Nuno did when Elliot Anderson first joined Nottingham Forest that made him think ‘is this normal?’

Add as preferred source on Google

Elliot Anderson signed for Nottingham Forest in a surprise transfer from Newcastle United during the summer transfer window.

The whole deal boiled down to PSR gymnastics between the Reds at the Magpies. Forest wanted Anderson and paid £35 million to sign him with the deal being offset by Newcastle signing Odysseas Vlachodimos from the City Ground for £20 million.

The 22-year-old has been a revelation at Forest during the 2024/25 campaign. Gary Neville has raved about Anderson this season and the player is now a permanent fixture in the starting eleven under Nuno Espirito Santo.

The versatile midfielder came through the academy ranks at Newcastle. He made 55 appearances for the senior ranks at St James’ Park but never really held down a place in the team, despite Eddie Howe wanting to keep Anderson.

• READ MORE: Forest fans rage with one player after beating Exeter

What stunned Elliot Anderson about Nuno Espirito Santo

The Forest head coach isn’t Steve Cooper. He doesn’t buzz off doing media responsibilities and he’s less passionate with the fan base after victories.

However, Espirito Santo is workmanlike and with 14 games of the season left to play, he will recognise that nothing has yet been achieved.

Anderson has been quizzed on what the boss is like behind the scenes and it might come as a surprise as to what he’s had to say about Espirito Santo.

He told BBC Sport: “He’s a great guy, he just gives you that platform to go out there and express yourself and enjoy it. I can’t believe how relaxed he is, I said to the lads when I first joined, ‘Is this normal?’, but obviously he has a joke or two with you but he can be serious with you as well. It’s really good.”

Elliot Anderson will play for England in the near future

When it comes to conventional central midfield players, England aren’t blessed with an abundance of talent and that could help Anderson.

Despite signing as a number 10, Espirito Santo has placed Anderson into a new role in the number eight position and it’s fair to say that he’s taken his game to a new level.

With that in mind, Thomas Tuchel will surely be monitoring his progress. He’s proved a superb ball carrier for Forest this season and he’s not shirked his defensive responsibilities either.

Anderson has been a quality signing for the Reds and hopefully, he can enjoy a long and fruitful career playing for Forest at the City Ground.