How on earth do you replace Elliot Anderson?

Max Beacham·

While we don’t expect Nottingham Forest to be selling one of their top assets any time soon, the possibility of a bid coming for Elliot Anderson this month remains. Max Beacham takes a look at a few options for an immediate or long-term replacement

To say it’s not been quite the season we expected is something of an understatement. Despite welcoming 13 new signings in the summer and spending around £200 million, it’s clear that further reinforcements are still required. Not only to strengthen squad depth, but to inject genuine quality into a Forest side that has struggled to find consistency so far this season.

To some, the idea of further additions may seem excessive after such heavy spending. However, with Chris Wood out for several more months and Forest failing to hit the heights of last year, scoring goals is just one area we need to consider. And incomings will most likely require outgoings… While we should be able to keep Elliot Anderson until at least the summer, identifying players capable of replicating his impact has become a priority. But replacing the Geordie Maradona isn’t about finding a like-for-like clone, but about reshaping the midfield in a way that can reignite momentum — and getting the season back on track, if it comes to that.

Tyler Morton

The first player I believe Forest must seriously consider is Liverpool academy graduate Tyler Morton. Currently a key figure at Lyon, Morton has started all 14 matches he has been available for, racking up just over 1,200 minutes of football — a clear sign of his importance and reliability at a high level.

For me, Morton represents a smart piece of forward planning. With the potential departure of Elliot Anderson still hanging over the club, he could both bolster midfield depth and help soften the blow of losing such an influential player. While Anderson’s quality is clear for all to see, Morton at just 23 years old has the potential to further develop and grow into a key Premier League midfielder.

Statistically, the similarities between the two are evident, particularly in possession. Morton averages 1.32 chances created per 90, not far behind Anderson’s 1.58, while his 86% pass completion rate closely mirrors Anderson’s 86.5%. These numbers highlight Morton’s composure on the ball and his ability to dictate play in advanced areas.

Where Morton really stands out is in his passing range and technical security, qualities that are vital for progressing the ball from defence into attack, an area where Anderson has been so important for Forest. However, there is a clear stylistic difference between the two. Morton is more of a neat, technical midfielder rather than a dynamic ball-carrier. He averages 0.59 successful dribbles per 90, compared to Anderson’s 1.32, showing that he lacks the same physicality and directness when driving forward.

That said, this doesn’t necessarily have to be a weakness. In fact, it could help facilitate the more possession-based style of football many Forest fans were hoping to see this season.

Off the ball is where replacing Anderson becomes particularly difficult. While Morton is undoubtedly tidy in possession, his defensive output is an area of concern. He averages 3.46 duels won and 1.76 tackles per 90, figures that fall well short of Anderson’s all-action profile. Anderson, as we know, wins 7.68 duels per 90, placing him in the top 4% of midfielders across Europe.

However, context is important. With Ibrahim Sangaré’s strong start to the season and Douglas Luiz already at the club, Morton may not be required to shoulder the same defensive burden. In a more possession-focused system, his responsibilities could be more clearly defined, allowing his strengths on the ball to flourish.

Overall, with a reported market value of around £15 million, Tyler Morton represents excellent value in today’s market. Should Forest raise funds through potential outgoing transfers, this feels like a logical, low-risk move and one the club would be wise to explore.

João Gomes

Brazilian midfielder João Gomes has been operating in a Wolves side that has managed just six points from 20 games. While the team’s form has been well below par, the quality within the squad, particularly in midfield, is far greater than their current league position suggests.

Gomes, in particular, possesses several key attributes that could not only strengthen Forest’s midfield options, but also help manage the potential departure of Anderson. Linked with a move to Manchester United as recently as last season, the 24-year-old currently carries a reported market value of around £40 million. However, with Wolves looking increasingly likely to be relegated, there is a strong chance he could be available for a significantly reduced fee.

Unlike my previous pick, Tyler Morton, Gomes does not offer the same technical security or creativity on the ball as either Morton or Anderson. The player averages only 0.37 chances created per 90, which highlights his limitations when going forward. However, his physical strengths can be shown in his ball carrying with over 1.2 dribblers per 90 only just short of Anderson.

His real qualities however come in his defensive output, areas in which he closely matches Anderson’s influence. This season, Gomes is averaging 2.86 tackles per 90, more than any current Nottingham Forest midfielder, while also having a similar physical presence as Anderson shown with him winning 6.47 duels won per 90. These numbers highlight his ability to disrupt opposition play and provide protection in midfield, something Forest could benefit from immediately.

To find a player with four years’ Premier League experience, still only 24 years old, and potentially available at a cut-price fee makes Gomes an extremely attractive option. When you factor in his proven defensive qualities, this feels like a move that would make both short-term and long-term sense for the club.

Stylistically is he a like-for-like replacement for Elliot Anderson, or the more attractive technical option that someone like Tyler Morton represents? The honest answer is no. However, what Gomes would bring is balance, intensity and reliability, qualities that would help stabilise the midfield and allow others around him to play with greater freedom.

I feel we don’t need to replace Elliot Anderson with one player. We need to replace his influence. A combination of Gomes’ defensive intensity and Morton’s technical control could offer a more balanced midfield platform behind Morgan Gibbs-White and provide a realistic, Premier League-ready solution. Let’s hope nobody actually puts a serious bid in…

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