Whether VAR referees were right to not intervene after Elliot Anderson's studs-up tackle on Ollie Watkins' ankle is causing fierce controversy. It is clear that if VAR intervened and showed a red card, Nottingham Forest would not have gained an advantage against Aston Villa's home ground in the Europa League semi-finals.
Despite the lucky slip, Anderson still had an impressive performance. This young midfielder has played outstandingly throughout the season, and the match against Villa continued to affirm that he is a true talent, although there are still many doubts surrounding his name.
However, Anderson is also part of the Forest team that is still struggling with the risk of relegation. That means he cannot completely stand aside from responsibility.
However, the ability to shoulder responsibilities is Anderson's strength. Former legend Stan Collymore did not hesitate to praise him after the match: "10/10 for a starting spot. A real "Rolls-Royce". He is the future captain of the England team and will be an extremely important factor".
Statistics further reinforced that perception. Anderson led the match in the number of touches, accurate passes, passes to the bottom 1/3 of the field, ball recovery, successful tackles and even the number of fouls - proving his comprehensive influence.
Despite the controversial tackle on Watkins, referee Joao Pinheiro still allowed the match to continue. England coach Thomas Tuchel may specifically remind Anderson, but his energetic playing style is not worrying enough.
More importantly, Anderson is gradually affirming his position in the group of key players of the England team, alongside names like Jordan Pickford, Declan Rice or Harry Kane. While Morgan Rogers has not made an impression, Morgan Gibbs-White has scored strongly.
Not only impressing professionally, Anderson also makes the Forest board believe that he deserves a transfer fee that could be up to 100 million pounds in the context of many "big guys"' interest. However, according to sources from Manchester United, this price may make them consider.
Compared to the Declan Rice deal to join Arsenal for 105 million pounds, Anderson also shows the potential to become a worthy investment.
At the age of 23 - an age similar to Rice when moving to Arsenal - Anderson not only has talent but also possesses admirable bravery, especially when he is still overcoming the pain of losing his mother recently.
His future may still be tied to Forest, especially if the team stays in the league and even wins a Champions League spot through the Europa League. However, with his current form, the attraction from big teams is almost inevitable.
And if a team like Man United wants to rebuild to return to the top, Anderson can completely be the ideal piece, as long as they are willing to spend enough money.
