Nuno Espirito Santo believes that Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson deserves consideration for a first call-up to the England national team. The Forest manager praised the 22-year-old’s talent and potential to perform on the international stage.
Anderson’s departure from Newcastle United last summer was unexpected, as the club sought to manage its finances. Since joining Forest, he has become an integral part of the team, contributing significantly after a slow start to the season, helping the club rise into Champions League contention.
When asked about Anderson’s readiness for the Three Lions, Nuno said, “I think he has enough talent to be regarded—what happens next is up to Thomas [Tuchel], and I won’t comment further.”
He noted that while Anderson initially played wide and contributed to possession, his recent performances have seen him become more involved in goal-scoring opportunities.
“He’s now reaching the box and taking shots. He has goals in him, and he needs to believe that,” Nuno added. He acknowledged Anderson’s progress at such a young age and emphasized that while his defensive work has improved, there is still room for growth.
Nuno encouraged Anderson to focus on his game when facing Newcastle, stating, “He needs to go there knowing he has nothing to prove and just play his game.” He stressed the importance of learning from past mistakes and staying alert against a team familiar with his style.
Despite Nottingham Forest’s recent successes, Nuno has remained focused on the present rather than future aspirations. He mentioned that his players are concentrating solely on their training sessions without discussing potential achievements like qualifying for Europe. “We only talk about Champions League when I’m with the media because it doesn’t mean anything unless we focus on our performance,” he said.
As Nottingham Forest continues its push up the Premier League table, Nuno’s belief in Anderson’s capabilities could pave the way for a significant milestone in the young midfielder’s career.