Elliot Anderson will be a pivotal figure when Nottingham Forest visit Liverpool this weekend, currently being called the “best central midfielder” in the Premier League.
The Reds return to action after the international break on Saturday afternoon, with struggling Forest heading to Anfield.
Sean Dyche has come in, however, and steadied the ship after the mess left by Ange Postecoglou, so the visitors won’t be a soft touch for inconsistent Liverpool.
Ahead of the game, we spoke to Forest fan and podcaster Matt Davies (@MattDavies_FF) to discuss a big match for both sides, the brilliance of Anderson and more.
How happy are you with Forest’s start to the season?
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - Tuesday, January 14, 2025: Nottingham Forest's Neco Williams applauds the supporters after the FA Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Liverpool FC at the City Ground. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Not very!
Nottingham Forest were on their third manager before the start of November and we’re 19th in the Premier League, so it’s been a bit of a disaster really.
The good thing is that Sean Dyche seems to have got us back on track and given us something to build on, but in the summer, we were dreaming of a solid league season and a push to win the Europa League.
Hopefully, we can still do that, but it has been a miserable few months.
Are you pleased with the appointment of Dyche? What’s he changed?
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Saturday, March 9, 2024: Everton's manager Sean Dyche during the FA Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Everton FC at Old Trafford. Man Utd won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
When it was a three-man shortlist of Dyche, Marco Silva and Roberto Mancini in the media – I wanted Silva, given he’s done well at Fulham for a long time.
That said, I’m happy with the work Dyche has done. He has changed a lot from the Ange Postecoglou nightmare on the pitch and off it.
As you’d imagine, the football is more direct, but it’s not been terrible. We’ve scored five goals in the last two league games – four from open play – and we’ve looked more organised.
Off the pitch, Dyche smartly moved to talk about the fans and his pride in being the manager, whereas the previous guy talked about only himself and Spurs.
Which three players have stood out most for Forest? Anyone struggled?
Elliot Anderson obviously is number one. To me, he has been the best central midfielder in the league this season and the stats back that up when it comes to touches, duels, passes and forward passes.
Neco Williams has been our second-best player and has mostly played left-back.
It’s perhaps ironic that he would have done a really good job for Liverpool this season as a full-back on either side.
Not too many other players have stood out, but Igor Jesus has done pretty well as a new signing. He’s got five goals, although none have come in the league.
Morgan Gibbs-White is one of our best players, but he has really struggled for form since being brilliant on the opening day.
He has scored three goals in five games under Dyche, though, and while he has been really inconsistent, he has picked up of late.
Liverpool have been loosely linked with Anderson – what makes him so good?
Elliot Anderson Nottingham Forest (Nick Potts/PA)
As mentioned, Anderson is top of just about every metric bar goals and assists for midfielders.
He is the best player I’ve seen at the City Ground for Forest since I was a kid, and he has elevated the England team since he got in.
His ability to win the ball or retain it with his strength and body position is exceptional. He can beat players, tackle, pass, is decent in the air and is on some set-pieces.
The only thing he has not been good at since he joined is shooting.
What’s the aim for the season now?
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - Tuesday, December 14, 2025: Nottingham Forest's Chris Wood (L) and Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté during the FA Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Liverpool FC at the City Ground. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Don’t get relegated! That’s the only thing I really care about, but it would be nice to go deep in the Europa League.
What do you make of Liverpool’s struggles this season?
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 9, 2025: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz walks out before the FA Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Obviously, a big surprise. With hindsight, I guess there are two things at play beyond tactics.
Firstly, a load of new players came in and some are new to the physical demands of the league – Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong – although Hugo Ekitike looks really good.
Milos Kerkez might have been overawed and Alexander Isak killed his own first half of the season with his actions at Newcastle, costing him any pre-season and match sharpness.
The other thing that we’ve probably all underestimated is the impact of Diogo Jota‘s death on the players.
Looking ahead to Saturday, where will the key battles take place?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 20, 2025: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk celebrating after the final whistle during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC at Anfield. The 247th Merseyside Derby. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Set-pieces at either end will be key as both teams have been weak in this area.
Forest will probably only start with only one winger in Dan Ndoye, and he could start on either flank.
If he gets any joy, that could lead to the odd chance for Forest, who will probably try to stay in the game and nick a late goal to win 1-0.
Finally, what’s your prediction?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 1, 2025: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot acknowledges the supporters after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Aston Villa FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
I think Liverpool will win.
Even though we’ve improved and Liverpool have struggled, they’ve got so much quality and should have enough to win.
I’ll say 2-0 or 2-1 to the Reds.