Best all-round midfielder in the Premier League so far this season? Elliott Anderson deserves to be in the conversation | OneFootball

The debate over who the best midfielder in the Premier League is at this moment in time has been raging of late, following Gary Neville’s assessment that he believes it is Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo.

It can often be difficult to compare midfielders, given the wide range of players and styles the term actually encompasses. There is little in common between Bruno Fernandes and Caicedo, for example, yet both come under the same vague term.

But when it comes to the best all-round midfielder, the players that can impact the game all over the pitch, there is plenty of debate to be had over who ranks number one.

Caicedo and Arsenal’s Declan Rice are perhaps the two most frequently mentioned names when it comes to the Premier League’s best all-round midfield player. Ryan Gravenberch too given his performances for Liverpool since last season.

An argument for any of the three being the best in the division is a strong one. But the depth of midfield talent in the Premier League goes much deeper than that – Dominik Szoboszlai, a fit and firing Rodri, Martin Odegaard, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and many, many others who probably deserve to be mentioned.

But one man whose case is perhaps stronger than many might realise is Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson.

Anderson’s remarkable numbers

The 22-year-old has truly announced himself this season after receiving his England debut under Thomas Tuchel. The former Newcastle youngster joined Forest in 2024 from his boyhood club, a transfer believed to be largely down to the pressure of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules on the Magpies.

It has proved to be a bitter pill to swallow for Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and the club. While Anderson is up against some big name stars in the debate for the league’s best midfield player this season, a look at his numbers tell you exactly why he deserves to be in that conversation.

According to data from FBref, Anderson ranks as the best player in the Premier League so far this season for passes into the final third, progressive passes, and the number of passes completed. He has also had the most touches of any player in the Premier League. He is not only constantly involved, but constantly positive with his passing too.

While Forest have struggled, Anderson has shone at the heart of their midfield and has been a creator for his team too. He ranks second in the league for the number of shot creating actions – for example a pass, take on or foul won that leads to an attempt at goal, behind only Bruno Fernandes.

Defensively he is assured. He has won the joint-ninth most tackles of all players in the Premier League this season and also ranks first for the number of loose ball recoveries. Anderson’s outstanding level of fitness means he is able to get across the pitch and have an impact everywhere.

There are of course areas of improvement. He is not as regular a source of goals as many of the other midfielders in the conversation, with just two Premier League goals to his name so far during his career. His shooting can certainly get better. Of the nine shots he’s had in the Premier League this season only two have been on target.

But Anderson’s performances are establishing him not just as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League, but among the best altogether.