Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson has been in top form and Nuno Espirito Santo believes England could rely on the midfielder.
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Anderson in top form for Nottingham ForestNuno reveals thoughts on England futureWon't put pressure on TuchelFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Nottingham Forest's fairytale season has seen the East Midlands side sit as high as second in the Premier League standings and they are well in with a shout to reach the Champions League as a top-five finish should be enough to secure qualification.
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Anderson has been one of the names who have performed beyond the expectations placed on him having joined Forest in the summer from Newcastle United as the Magpies conducted fire sales due to PSR worries. Nuno backed Anderson to play for England, though stopped short of putting pressure on new manager Thomas Tuchel.
AFPWHAT NUNO SAID
When asked about Anderson's prospects of a call-up, Nuno said: "I think he has enough talent to be regarded – the rest is up to Thomas and I won’t comment on that.
"When he started the season he was playing wide for us, giving us a lot of things in terms of possession. But his numbers in terms of assists and goals aren’t there. Now, he’s giving us that. He’s reaching the box, shooting. He’s got goals and he has to believe he can do it. I think it’s something he has and he can do.
"For his age, I think he has been really good. And the club operated well, bringing him here. And I think he can improve. His defensive work has been good. But it can be better. We’re trying to look at all the details with him. We don’t want him to overthink things. If he’s in position – try to take a shot – even if he’s not in a good position – don’t overthink it."
WHAT NEXT FOR ANDERSON?
The 22-year-old will now return to his boyhood club when Forest take on Newcastle on Sunday. Nuno has urged Anderson to focus on the game, the coach added: "His focus has to be Newcastle – and he has to go there knowing he has nothing to prove to anyone and just to play his game. It’s as simple as that. He needs to improve your game – and the mistakes he made in the previous game? Eradicate them.
"However, he will have to be extra alert because the team that he is going to face knows him very well. This is what he should be thinking and I hope he’s thinking about this. If he’s not – I’ll tell him. And I’ll remind him on the day of the game."
