Anthony Elanga Shines: Full Profile & Season Stats

Anthony Elanga has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most exciting young forwards, blending blistering pace with an astute football brain. From his earliest days in the Manchester United academy to his current role spearheading Nottingham Forest’s attack, the Swedish international is quickly compiling a portfolio of eye-catching performances that belie his age.

Anthony Elanga Career Overview

Born in Malmö to a footballing family, Anthony Elanga joined Manchester United at 12 and progressed through the ranks with remarkable consistency. His senior debut in May 2021 hinted at his fearlessness, while his first Premier League goal—an emphatic header against Brentford—showed he could deliver under pressure. A summer move to Nottingham Forest in 2023 provided the regular minutes he craved, and the City Ground faithful now enjoy a winger who thrives in one-on-one scenarios.

From Academy to First Team

United’s youth setup polished Elanga’s raw athleticism into a refined attacking toolkit. Coaches praised his willingness to track back, and his adaptability meant he filled roles on both flanks and even as a central striker. These formative seasons forged the resilience that helps him ride tackles and maintain intensity across 90 minutes.

Anthony Elanga Statistics by Season

Numbers validate the hype surrounding Anthony Elanga. In his breakthrough 2021/22 campaign, he registered three goals and two assists across 21 Premier League appearances—an efficient haul considering many cameos were off the bench. The 2022/23 term saw reduced minutes under Erik ten Hag, yet he still created 14 chances and recorded a pass-completion rate above 80%.

Since swapping Old Trafford for Nottingham, his output has soared. By mid-season 2023/24 he had already surpassed his previous goal tally, chipping in with five strikes and four assists in league play. Forest’s counterattacking system suits his vertical running; according to Opta, he ranks in the top 10% of Premier League forwards for progressive carries per 90 minutes.

Playing Style and Strengths

Speed and Directness

Elanga’s most recognisable trait is speed. He accelerates over short distances, often leaving full-backs flat-footed, and his first touch sets him perfectly for rapid transitions. He combines this pace with intelligent movements off the ball, timing diagonal runs to exploit the space behind defensive lines.

Defensive Contribution

Modern wingers must defend, and Anthony Elanga embraces the task. Under Steve Cooper he averages 1.2 tackles and 0.6 interceptions per match, illustrating a willingness to press high and track runners. This work rate endears him to managers and supporters alike.

Elanga at Nottingham Forest

Forest’s summer investment in Anthony Elanga looks shrewd. He slots seamlessly into their 4-2-3-1, interchanging with Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi to keep back-lines guessing. His chemistry with left-back Ola Aina offers Forest a potent overlap-underlap dynamic, helping stretch defences horizontally while Elanga darts vertically.

Data from StatsBomb reveals an expected assists (xA) figure of 0.19 per 90, evidence of improved decision-making in the final third. If he maintains this trajectory, double-digit direct goal contributions are realistic by season’s end.

International Adventures with Sweden

The Swede debuted for the senior national team in March 2022 and has since become a regular call-up. His maiden international goal against Norway showcased familiar attributes: a quick burst past the last defender and a composed finish. Sweden’s coaching staff value his versatility, often deploying him as either an inside-forward or a traditional winger depending on tactical needs.

What the Numbers Say

Advanced metrics highlight Elanga’s all-round game. His non-penalty expected goals (npxG) sits at 0.28 per 90, placing him among the most dangerous young forwards in England’s top flight. Furthermore, his pressures in the final third average 7.5 per match, aligning with Nottingham Forest’s pressing ethos. These figures, coupled with an 87% dribble success rate, underscore his dual threat as creator and finisher.

Opinion: Elanga’s Next Step

If Anthony Elanga continues refining his end product—particularly shot selection inside the box—he could evolve into a 15-goal, 10-assist winger within two seasons. Consistency will be the watchword; should he deliver week in, week out, bigger clubs will inevitably circle. For now, Forest offers the ideal platform: a competitive environment, ample minutes, and a tactical framework tailored to his strengths. Expect his star to rise even higher.