'Like Lionel Messi': Alan Smith wowed by 'wonderful' Nottingham Forest player against Crystal Palace
Yesterday at 03:47 PM
Nottingham Forest are taking on Crystal Palace in the Premier League. The score was 0-0 at half-time.
Nuno Espirito Santo is watching this one from the stands after his suspension from the FA.
And Morgan Gibbs-White is also out of the side due to injury, though he would have been suspended anyway after his reaction to his sending off against Brighton.
Nottingham Forest have hit the post on a couple of occasions and could easily be ahead, though Crystal Palace have had chances of their own in what has been an end-to-end game.
Interestingly, there was one moment in the first-half that really caught the eye of Sky Sports commentator Alan Smith, who described once Nottingham Forest player as ‘like Lionel Messi’.
Alan Smith wowed by Nottingham Forest player who was ‘like Lionel Messi’ against Crystal Palace
Chris Wood had a couple of chances to find the back of the net with a couple of headers, but a goal line clearance saved the day for Palace on one occasion.
However, it was Elliot Anderson who got the plaudits for one moment of brilliance in the first 20 minutes.
Speaking in live commentary on Sky Sports, Alan Smith was hugely impressed with the dribbling ability of the former Newcastle United man as he went past three or four players with close touches.
“"It was like Lionel Messi there in the box. Not once but twice, happy feet. Wonderful play from Elliot Anderson."
Elliot Anderson’s brilliant start to life at Nottingham Forest
Elliot Anderson is already looking like one of the signings of the summer for Nottingham Forest and we’re only eight games into the Premier League campaign.
Interestingly, Anderson has already been called a ‘clever signing’ by Ian Ladyman after his fine start.
He’s bang in form, too, enjoying one of his best performances in an England Under-21 shirt during the last international break. Anderson was man of the match for his display against Azerbaijan.
With Gibbs-White out of the side, Anderson is able to operate in more of an advanced role in midfield, and has definitely suited him so far.
