Newcastle United player was once told to ‘improve’ by Nuno Espirito Santo and he’s struggled ever since

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Elliot Anderson prepares to return to Newcastle United as a Nottingham Forest player this weekend.

The 22-year-old has played against Newcastle United since his £35million move to the City Ground, but this will be his first trip to St James’ Park.

It will be an emotional occasion for Elliot Anderson, who has excelled since being forced to leave Newcastle United. Eddie Howe wanted to keep Anderson, but fears of breaching PSR forced the Magpies to cash in.

Nottingham Forest came to Newcastle’s rescue, but the deal would only happen if the Magpies signed a player from them in return.

That resulted in Odysseas Vlachodimos leaving Nottingham Forest and joining Newcastle United for £20million.

Odysseas Vlachodimos will not feature for Newcastle United against Nottingham Forest

While Anderson is shining at Nottingham Forest, Vlachodimos is becoming Newcastle’s forgotten man.

The Greece international has only made one appearance for the Magpies. That was as a substitute in the Carabao Cup against Wimbledon.

At times, Vlachodimos has been lucky to be on the bench. Unless something changes, he will not be involved on Sunday against his former club.

Since Nick Pope returned from injury, Vlachodimos has not been seen. The 30-year-old has not been in the matchday squad for Newcastle’s last five games, and that will likely extend to six this weekend.

What Nuno Espirito Santo said about Vlachodimos in 2023

Anderson has gone to Nottingham Forest and thrived, whereas Vlachodimos’ move to the North East has not revitalised a stuttering career.

In truth, his career completely stalled as soon as he arrived in England in August 2023.

Vlachodimos made five Premier League appearances for Nottingham Forest before losing his place in the starting XI. During that period, he conceded 12 goals and kept one clean sheet.

At the time, Steve Cooper was the manager. He was then replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo, who quickly sent a message to Vlachodimos and the other Nottingham Forest goalkeepers.

“I would be fair to tell you that [Matt] Turner will be the goalkeeper, but at this moment it is about performance,” Nuno told the Daily Mail in December 2023.

“Any decision that we are going to make is going to be based on the performance we want for our team. Every player has to improve, starting with our goalkeepers.”

Following that statement, Vlachodimos made just two more appearances for Forest. They were both in the FA Cup against Blackpool.

A move to Newcastle has not gone to plan. He had hoped to challenge for the number one jersey, and Vlachodimos is frustrated by his lack opportunities.

That frustration will likely continue for the rest of the season, as Pope and Martin Dubravka battle for the gloves.