Anderson outstanding as Nottingham Forest beat Villa 1-0 | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest claimed a 1-0 win at the City Ground over Aston Villa to secure a small advantage in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final clash.

Forest took the lead through a Chris Wood penalty and hung on even as their opponents ramped up the pressure.

Vitor Pereira’s boys rose to the occasion, especially Elliot Anderson, who was key to winning the midfield battle.

The Nottingham Forest ace was ‘outstanding’ and earned himself an 8/10 rating from one national publication.

Apart from one tackle on Ollie Watkins that could have earned him a red card, he was flawless in the engine room.

Anderson played 2 key passes, completed 63/69 passes, and completed his one attempted dribble. He also drew three fouls and made two progressive carries.

The England international won 7/9 ground duels and 2/3 tackles, showing his defensive robustness, which pairs nicely with his ability to dictate the tempo of a game.

He showed his ability to seamlessly deliver from deep positions for build-up, as a driver connecting midfield to attack, and as a difference-maker in the final third.

The 23-year-old is on the cusp of developing into a world-class player, and it is no surprise that several top sides are vying for his signature this summer.

Performances like this are exactly why Nottingham Forest are refusing to entertain anything less than a massive offer for Anderson this summer.

Midfielders with his blend of composure, athleticism, defensive intensity and creative quality are incredibly difficult to find.

Forest know they are nurturing a player who could soon establish himself among the very best midfielders in Europe if his development continues on this trajectory.

Anderson looked like a complete modern midfielder capable of dominating every phase of the game – a world-class trait.

Forest understand his ceiling is enormous, and if any elite club wants to prise him away from the City Ground, they will have to pay for every ounce of that potential.