The Only Player to Hit the Milestone This Season
The Premier League’s midfield and defensive maestros have been showcasing their influence on the ball this season, but one name stands out above the rest: Elliot Anderson. The Nottingham Forest midfielder has become the only player to surpass 1,000 touches so far, registering an impressive 1,037 touches—cementing his status as one of the league’s most involved and hard-working players.
This milestone highlights Anderson’s growing importance, his consistency in possession, and his impact in Forest’s build-up play.
Anderson Tops an Elite List of Premier League Ball-Handlers
According to the latest Premier League data, Anderson sits above some of the league’s biggest names when it comes to total touches:
- Elliot Anderson – 1,037 (Nottingham Forest)
- Virgil van Dijk – 981 (Liverpool)
- Jan Paul van Hecke – 952 (Brighton)
- Lewis Dunk – 944 (Brighton)
- Dominik Szoboszlai – 909 (Liverpool)
- Marcos Senesi – 869 (Bournemouth)
- Gabriel – 848 (Arsenal)
- Trevor Chalobah – 845 (Chelsea)
- Declan Rice – 840 (Arsenal)
- Bruno Fernandes – 839 (Manchester United)
Being in a list featuring Champions League winners, club captains, and Premier League standouts shows just how impactful Anderson’s role has become.
Why Anderson’s 1,000+ Touches Matter
Touch count in football is more than just a statistic—it reflects a player’s influence in possession, buildup responsibility, and involvement in all phases of play.
For Anderson, this achievement underscores:
- Increased tactical responsibility under Forest’s system
- Confidence from the manager to keep the ball moving through him
- A growing presence in transitions, both offensively and defensively
- Consistency, as accumulating over 1,000 touches requires sustained involvement across multiple matches
At just the early stage of his Premier League journey, Anderson’s ability to dictate rhythm and stay deeply involved speaks volumes about his development.
Brighton and Liverpool Stars Close Behind
Brighton defenders Jan Paul van Hecke and Lewis Dunk, along with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, complete the top four—highlighting how much these teams rely on ball circulation starting from the back.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai is the only attacking midfielder near the top, showcasing his dual role as a creator and ball-carrier.
Arsenal’s Core Remains Influential
Arsenal’s Gabriel and Declan Rice also feature prominently, reinforcing their importance in ball progression and defensive organization for Mikel Arteta’s side.
A Breakout Season for Anderson?
If Anderson continues at this rate, he could emerge as one of the Premier League’s most reliable midfielders in possession. His composure, ball-security, and ability to stay constantly involved make him a standout performer in a league packed with world-class talent.
For Nottingham Forest, having a player who dictates play so effectively is a massive asset—especially in a season where every moment in possession matters.
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