‘Such high potential’: Steve Cooper makes a funny comment as he heaps praise on the 21-year-old Forest star and explains why believes the sky is the limit for

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper has praised winger Anthony Elanga ahead of the trip to face West Ham United on Sunday.

The 21-year-old has impressed since his move from Manchester United this summer, with Elanga bringing a new dimension to the Forest attack.

His blistering pace is a brilliant asset for Cooper’s side, as demonstrated against Aston Villa last weekend during the transition phase of defending into a counter attack.

The Swedish international has one goal and three assists in his first 11 Premier League games for the club, but his all-round play has been just as impressive with Cooper recognising the youngster’s talent.

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Cooper on Anthony Elanga

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Reds boss Cooper admitted that he’s impressed with the 21-year-old but claimed he’s only going to get better with the correct guidance.

“As a footballer, Anthony [Elanga] is right where we want him. He’s a really young player with such high potential and a really good mentality to learn and engage to get better.

“We’ve given him some good starts now he’s also had good impacts off the bench – we’ve also provided a programme for him to help him fulfil his potential.

“We’re enjoying working with him and he’s a promising player for this football club – the best bit with him is he wants to do as much as he can every day.

“He’s a young player, no one is getting carried away, possibly has a very bright future but he and we have got to make that happen.”

Elanga has become key for Cooper

Elanga’s playstyle has allowed for him to become a key player in Cooper’s counter-attacking system.

As demonstrated against Villa last weekend, the 21-year-old is rapid, outpacing former Forest man Matty Cash on numerous occasions.

The Swede’s raw pace allows him to transition the play within a couple of touches with Elanga slowly becoming crucial to the way Cooper wants to play.

This may only be the start of his career at the City Ground, but should he carry on the same upward trajectory, he could become a real key figure for the club in the Premier League.