Joe Cole compares 'unbelievable' Nottingham Forest star to Liverpool legend
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(Credit: TNT Sports)
Ciaran Morrison
Thu 25 September 2025 9:15, UK
Nottingham Forest’s mixed fortunes continued in their 2-2 draw at Real Betis, but one player continues to earn high praise.
Igor Jesus’ first half double at Betis was not enough for victory as Antony’s 85th minute equaliser earned the Spanish side a point.
Ange Postecoglou is still searching for his first win as Nottingham Forest manager after four games in charge after replacing Nuno Espirito Santo.
Douglas Luiz’s hamstring injury picked up at Betis, alongside Ola Aina’s absence until December, means Postecoglou is already facing problems.
The former Spurs boss though has been able to rely on one star so far, who ran the show at Betis.
Ange Postecoglou is still looking for a win as Nottingham Forest manager.
One continued presence in the Nottingham Forest midfield this season has been Elliot Anderson, who shone against Betis.
Anderson earned his England debut and starred for the Three Lions in the last international break meaning he is now a contender to make Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
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Speaking on TNT Sports, [24 September], Anderson reminds Joe Cole of former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard.
“Really impressed every time he gets better and better, he’s now in the England squad playing as well,” Cole said.
“You know, we just look at these clips here, he snaps into the tackle, this is for the goal, some of the moves he was doing were unbelievable.
“He gets the ball here and look at his feet as it comes back to him he drops the shoulder, wonderful feet, picks up the pass again.
“Coming inside here this is the power of the lad, this is like this is like Gerard power.”
Anderson is already subject of interest from Man United, and the 22-year-old will continue to gain suitors if he carries on his excellent performances.
Credit: Imago
The pressure on Anderson to continue to make the Nottingham Forest midfield click will continue to grow following Luiz’s injury.
The pair were dictating the game at Betis before Luiz’s withdrawal saw Nottingham Forest lose control in the second half.
Minutes Played90Touches67Touches in the opposition box9Total Shots2Duels22Fouls Suffered5Elliot Anderson’s stats against Real Betis, as per Fotmob.
Anderson played further forward against Betis, and affected the game, and it will be interesting to see whether Postecoglou sticks with the same approach against Sunderland.
Failing to beat Sunderland at the City Ground would extend Nottingham Forest’s winless streak to seven matches, a run Postecoglou cannot let extend further.