Nottingham Forest target ‘ball-carrying machine’
Nottingham Forest showed earlier this week that they are more than capable of competing with some of the best sides in the Premier Leagueholding first place Liverpool to 1-1.
The result was the second time they have taken points away from Arne Slot in 2024/25, with numerous additions from the hierarchy starring. Nuno Espírito Santo.
Center back Murillo produced another masterclass at the back, making 18 clearances – the most in an English Premier League game since 2022, underscoring his importance to the Reds’ impressive back line.
Chris Wood caught the eye, as he has for most of the season, scoring his 13th league goal of the seasonputting Nun’s men in the lead in the early stages of the encounter.
The New Zealand international could be helped in his final third attempts after January, with the club targeting one player to improve options at the City Ground this month.
Nottingham Forest move for midfield sensation
According to journalist Guilherme Ramos, Forest is constantly monitoring progress Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios ahead of a potential move.
The 24-year-old, who has made several appearances for the Brazilian team, could follow in the footsteps of current first-team member Danilo, who moved to the East Midlands from the same club in 2023.
The journalist has confirmed that the Colombian has given the go-ahead for a move to the Reds this month, with his skills matching those of the Premier League.
It’s unclear how much either job would cost the owner Evangelos Marinakisbut it would be another sign of his intention to help the club reach European football under his leadership.
Any move would allow Rios to form a potentially lethal partnership with one player currently at the club, further boosting their chances of an improbable title win in the next few months.
Why Rios could star with Anderson in Nottingham Forest’s midfield
Elliot Anderson joined Forest in a £35m deal from fellow Premier League side Newcastle United in the summer, with many fans questioning the size of his transfer fee.
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However, the England U21 international wasted no time in impressing in Nottingham, cementing his place at the heart of the team alongside the likes of Ryan Yates and Morgan Gibbs-White.
This campaign has arguably been his best in the Premier League, producing a myriad of impressive statistics that have seen the Reds currently in the top four.
Anderson posted an average of 8.7 duels won and 2.4 skirmishes won for 90, allowing him to be the perfect ball-winning option in the heart of midfield.
Such numbers could see him form the perfect partnership with Rios should he move to Trentside this month, with Anderson’s excellent ability to win back possession allowing the Colombian to play with the ball at his feet.
The midfielder, who was previously called “ball carrying machine” analyst Ben Mattinson, recorded 1.1 dribbles per 90 in Brazil’s Serie A during 2024 – a figure that could be perfect in transition for Nuno’s men.
Richard Rios’ stats for Palmeiras in 2024 |
|
---|---|
Statistics (at 90) |
Tally |
Games played |
24 |
Goals and assists |
7 |
Adding accuracy |
82% |
Progressive additions |
5.3 |
Progressive mounts |
1.4 |
Tackles won |
3.1 |
Successful dribbles |
1.1 |
Completed long additions |
2.4 |
Statistics via FBref |
He also achieved an average of 2.4 accurate long balls per 90 with 82% passing accuracy, having the knack of finding the likes of Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi to help them on the counter-attack.
Although no fee has been advertised for a potential move for the Palmeiras star, it is clear from his numbers and style of play that he would be an excellent addition to the current squad, adding another dimension to an already impressive squad.
Such talents could be the perfect dynamic alongside the former Newcastle youngster, with the duo able to work together to sustain Forest’s unimaginable start to the season.