Nottingham Forest have ‘phenomenal’ player who is equal to Pedri in crucial stat
Nottingham Forest boast a player in their ranks who has matched Barcelona star Pedri in one certain metric so far this season.
Nottingham Forest‘s 2025-26 season has not gone to plan at all so far, despite a promising summer window and a successful previous campaign.
Ange Postecoglou is currently clinging on to his job at Forest, just weeks after being appointed in place of Nuno Espirito Santo, with no wins, two draws and five losses in his opening seven games in charge.
Reds fans can take solace in the fact that they boast arguably their best squad in a long time, with the core of their impressive 2024-25 squad still at Postecoglou’s disposal as it stands.
Forest take on Chelsea this weekend with the Aussie boss in dire need of three points, and one of his players needs to carry his fine form from the early stages of the campaign into the clash if they are to come away with a victory.
Elliot Anderson on par with Pedri for possessions won in top five leagues
Elliot Anderson has been a key man throughout Forest‘s recent upturn in fortunes, with transfer rumours clouding his future at the club amid some continued stellar form.
Man City are believed to be interested in Anderson, alongside the likes of Chelsea and Man United, and it is no wonder considering the fact he sits alongside Barcelona‘s Pedri, who is considered to be one of the best midfielders in the world right now.
The data experts at Squawka have the Forest man alongside Pedri for the most possessions won in Europe’s top five leagues this season, with 55, which is testament to his tenacious attitude and tackling technique.
Anderson is the only Premier League player in the top 10 list, and according to Opta, Bruno Fernandes sits second for this metric, with 43, while Iliman Ndiaye is close behind with 42.
Anderson destined for World Cup spot after starring for England
Thomas Tuchel handed Anderson his England debut last month amid some fine individual form at club level, with international teammate Reece James calling the 22-year-old “phenomenal” following his maiden appearance against Andorra.
The recent talk around Anderson’s future has largely been born out of his impressive England showings, and it almost feels like a given that he will be on the plane to the World Cup despite only having four caps to his name right now.
Well-connected former Man United scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that the starting spot alongside Declan Rice for England is Anderson’s to lose, and it feels like he is very important to the way they want to set-up against teams in a low-block.
Forest will be excited to see where he can take them this season, but their current struggles show that even when he performs to the level of a player like Pedri, a team effort is needed to win consistently.