Anthony Elanga: The Relentless Rise of Nottingham Forest’s Breakout Star
In football, it’s often said that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. But what happens when you get a player blessed with natural ability and a relentless work ethic? You get someone like Anthony Elanga—a player whose career is now blossoming at Nottingham Forest, and whose journey from Manchester United academy prospect to Premier League standout is a story of focus, dedication, and sheer perseverance.
At just 22 years old, Elanga has emerged as one of the key figures in Nottingham Forest’s 2024/25 campaign. With six goals and eight assists already under his belt, he has not only equaled his total goal contributions from last season but has also firmly established himself as one of the most dangerous wingers outside the so-called ‘Big Six’. Forest fans have long admired his energy, speed, and directness—but this season, Elanga has added end product, creativity, and maturity to his game in a way that has transformed him from a promising youngster into a genuinely top-tier attacking talent.
A Moment of Redemption: Scoring Against Manchester United
Among the many standout moments of Elanga’s season so far, one in particular resonates deeply—not just with fans, but with Elanga himself. His breathtaking solo goal against Manchester United, the club where he began his professional career, felt like a turning point. In that moment, he didn’t just score a goal; he made a statement.
Carrying the ball an astonishing 85 yards before slotting home, Elanga showcased everything that makes him special—blistering pace, composure under pressure, and a clinical finish with his supposedly “weaker” left foot. For a player who struggled to find consistent minutes at United and was often subbed off early or left on the bench, it was a moment of poetic justice. He didn’t celebrate wildly; instead, he let the performance do the talking. It was a goal that earned plaudits across the football world, and a reminder of just how far he’s come.
Behind the Scenes: Eight Months of Left-Foot Training
What most fans didn’t see, however, was the countless hours of preparation that made that goal possible. In a recent interview with BBC Sport, Elanga opened up about the hard work he put in during the COVID-19 lockdown—a time when professional football was suspended, but the grind never stopped for him.
“During lockdown, I trained a lot on my left foot,” Elanga said. “I trained for eight months just on my left foot, constantly hitting [the ball against] the wall.”
While others may have viewed lockdown as a break, Elanga saw it as an opportunity—a chance to add something new to his game. That obsessive commitment to improvement is now bearing fruit. His left foot, once merely serviceable, is now a genuine threat. He can cut inside and shoot, whip in crosses, and keep defenders guessing—a critical element for any top winger.
Elanga even cited Thierry Henry as an inspiration. “I always used the reference of Thierry Henry,” he explained. “I think he was really good at that, playing [with his] left foot [on the] right-wing, up front, striker. I think it’s important to go both ways. I want to be able to add different traits to my game and be an unpredictable player.”
A New Home, A Fresh Start
Elanga’s story is not just one of development—it’s also one of bravery. In the summer of 2023, after years of trying to break through at Manchester United, he made the difficult but ultimately transformative decision to leave Old Trafford and join Nottingham Forest. For many young players, leaving a club like United can feel like a step down. But Elanga saw it as a step forward—a chance to take control of his own career.
And it didn’t take long for him to justify that decision. In his debut campaign at the City Ground, Elanga produced five goals and nine assists across 36 Premier League appearances—playing a crucial role in helping Forest secure top-flight survival. His electric pace, intelligent movement, and ability to turn defence into attack made him an instant fan favourite.
But it’s this season where he has truly elevated his game. Elanga isn’t just a promising player anymore—he’s a match-winner. A threat in transition, a clever creator in the final third, and a tireless runner out of possession, he’s become the sort of player Forest can build around.
The Brighton Game: A Masterclass in Playmaking
While his solo goal against Manchester United captured headlines, Elanga’s hat-trick of assists in Forest’s stunning 7-0 win over Brighton in February was arguably his most complete performance to date. That game showcased the full breadth of his skillset—from clever link-up play and inch-perfect crosses to unselfish decision-making in front of goal.
It was a coming-of-age performance, one that suggested Elanga isn’t just a finisher or a sprinter—he’s also a smart, technical footballer capable of dictating the tempo of a match and creating space for others.
What Comes Next?
As Nottingham Forest aim for a strong finish to the season—and dream of achieving something as historic as Champions League qualification for the first time since 1980—Elanga’s role becomes even more pivotal. His form could well determine whether Forest finish mid-table or punch above their weight and secure European football.
And if he continues at this level, a new contract seems inevitable. His current deal, signed upon arrival in 2023, was a great piece of business for Forest, but now his value has skyrocketed. Securing his long-term future will be a top priority for the club this summer, especially with potential interest from bigger clubs likely to arise.
A Model Professional, A Player on the Rise
Elanga’s journey is far from over, but it’s already an inspiring tale. From the sidelines of Old Trafford to the spotlight at the City Ground, from working on his weaker foot in lockdown to tormenting defenders on the Premier League stage—Anthony Elanga is proving that talent is just the beginning. It’s the mindset, the work ethic, and the willingness to sacrifice that separates the good from the great.
He may only be 22, but Elanga is already a role model for aspiring footballers—and one of the brightest young stars in the Premier League today. If he keeps this trajectory, it’s not just a new contract that awaits him. It’s a future filled with trophies, international recognition, and perhaps even a return to the Champions League—this time, as a key player leading his team there.
Would you like me to turn this into a downloadable article or create a version tailored for social media or newsletter content?