Yahoo News How Nottingham Forest could line up with new signing Elliot Anderson in Nuno's team
The versatility of new signing Elliot Anderson should prove a valuable asset for Nottingham Forest next season.
The aim for the Reds is to end the summer transfer window with strength in depth across the pitch and a balanced squad. Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo is also keen to work with a tight-knit group, making players with the flexibility to operate in different positions - such as Anderson - particularly important.
The 21-year-old has penned a five-year deal Trentside from Newcastle United to become Forest’s third new addition of the summer. He is at an age where he still has plenty of room for development but has already notched up 44 Premier League appearances.
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Anderson is capable of playing in several different roles. He is just as comfortable as a No.10 as he is as a No.8.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said of the Scotland Under-21 international last season: “Elliot has come through the Academy here. When I first came to the club, we were aware of him and his talents. He’s really worked on all aspects of the game, and I think he’s been really reliable for us.
“Whatever position I have used in him, he has done very well. Tactically I have asked him to do a couple of things that the team has needed, and he’s done it very well. I am really pleased with his level of maturity and his tactical understanding.”
The Reds have been in need of back-up for Morgan Gibbs-White in the 10 position. Gio Reyna provided that in the second half of last term but barely saw any minutes due to being unable to force his way past the ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers man in the pecking order.
The fact Anderson can be called upon to step into a few different roles should give him the opportunity to see more game time than Reyna did. He can also provide cover out wide, for Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga, in addition to fighting for a place in the centre of the pitch.
Forest do have a few options in midfield. Getting the balance right in that area proved a challenge for Nuno last season, and it is something he will need to look at again this time around.
As it stands, the Reds have Ryan Yates, Danilo, Nicolas Dominguez, Ibrahim Sangare and Lewis O’Brien on the books, although the latter is likely to depart before the end of the window. Nuno could play with a midfield three at times, if he wanted to.
Yates and Danilo were the first-choice starters towards the end of the 2023/24 campaign, although whether they keep their places for the opening game this time around remains to be seen. Dominguez was struggling with injury towards the end of last season, which affected his availability, while Sangare had a difficult first year at the City Ground.
Sangare will hope that with a full pre-season behind him and time spent on the training pitch, he can start to show what he can do in the Garibaldi. If he does, there will certainly be competition for places in that department.
How Forest could line up with Anderson as a No 10: Sels; Williams, Boly, Murillo, Aina; Yates, Danilo; Elanga, Anderson, Hudson-Odoi; Awoniyi.
How Forest could line up with Anderson as a No 8: Sels; Williams, Boly, Murillo, Aina; Sangare, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.
