Joe Cole wowed by ‘phenomenal’ Nottingham Forest star vs Real Betis but sends brutal claim to fans

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Nottingham Forest drew 2-2 with Real Betis as the club played in European competition for the first time in 30 years.

Igor Jesus scored twice to cancel out Cedric Bakambu’s early goal, with Forest standing firm until the 85th minute when ex-Manchester United player Antony equalised.

Ange Postecoglou was forced into a change at half-time, with Douglas Luiz coming off for Dilane Bakwa and the Aussie switching to a 4-2-3-1 system, which ultimately gave the hosts the initiative.

Jesus got the nod over Chris Wood for the contest, and he didn’t let his manager down with two extremely well-taken goals on the night, with lots of positives for Forest.

Once again, lots of players played their part in a solid Forest performance, but the talk in the TNT Sports studio turned to one influential Reds star after the game.

• READ MORE: Nottingham Forest fans hail Reds player at half-time of Real Betis clash

Joe Cole makes ‘amazing’ Elliot Anderson claim

This was another superb string for Anderson to add to his bow, with the youngster taking to Europe like a duck takes to water.

Anderson ran the show from the midfield engine room and looked like a Rolls-Royce of a player in the middle of the park.

The 22-year-old was compared to a Premier League Hall of Famer by Cole after the game and he’s issued a warning to Forest supporters.

He said live on TNT Sports: “I watched him in the summer, and I was so impressed with this kid. He’s now in the England squad and he’s doing amazing. Watch this, it’s Steven Gerrard-level of power, it’s outrageous.

“He plays for England at the World Cup and Forest fans won’t like me for this, but I don’t think he plays for Forest for very long.”

What Lucy Ward said about Elliot Anderson live on air

Ward was providing co-commentary alongside Darren Fletcher for this one and she’s also a huge fan of Anderson, it would appear.

After another mazy run from deep, she confessed that she loves to watch Anderson play and echoed what Cole had been saying.

She commented: “I tell you what, Elliot Anderson is a player, no, he’s a proper player. He has been absolutely phenomenal. Everything he does is just so good.”

Anderson cost Forest £35 million and right now, he’s proving to be the first name on Postecoglou’s team sheet as he gets used to life at the City Ground.