James McAtee emerges as Glasner’s new midfield quarterback at Forest
A new role has unlocked McAtee
James McAtee has gone from limited opportunities at Nottingham Forest to becoming a central part of Oliver Glasner’s midfield plans. The 23-year-old, who arrived from Manchester City for a reported £30 million, made only two Premier League starts last season. Under Forest’s four managers during that campaign, he struggled to establish himself.
Glasner has given McAtee a fresh start by moving him deeper. Previously known as an attacking No 10, he now operates in the central-midfield role Glasner calls the “quarterbacks” — players tasked with setting the tempo and choosing when to drive forward or retain possession.
Early-season creativity brings Adam Wharton comparison
The change has drawn comparisons with Adam Wharton, Glasner’s former midfield organiser at Crystal Palace. Both are left-footed players comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces and threading forward passes through defensive lines.
McAtee’s numbers underline his impact in the opening five games of the Premier League season covered by the report. Only five players had created more chances, while only three had produced more chances from open play. He was also second in the league for passes leading to a shot, level with Bruno Fernandes; only his Forest team-mate Morgan Gibbs-White had more.
Former Manchester City academy coach Brian Barry-Murphy told Sky Sports that McAtee thrives in crowded areas: “The tighter the spaces, the more at home and comfortable he is.”
Forest’s direct approach puts him at the centre
Glasner’s Forest have prioritised quick, vertical attacks rather than prolonged spells of possession. The source report noted that Forest had recorded only four “build-up attacks” at that point in the Premier League season, while ranking fourth for forward-passing percentage and third for completed through balls.
McAtee’s role is to help turn possession into forward momentum. Glasner has described the midfield quarterbacks as responsible for “the speed of our attacks, if we go forward or keep possession.” The midfielder’s passing and decision-making have made him a key link in that approach.
Palace reunion sets up a midfield test
Glasner’s return to Crystal Palace with Forest brings his new project face to face with the side where he previously used Wharton in the same influential role. The upcoming meeting offers a direct comparison between Wharton, the established Palace midfielder, and McAtee, the emerging Forest alternative.
Crystal Palace versus Nottingham Forest was scheduled as a Super Sunday fixture, with coverage beginning at 1pm and kick-off at 2pm, according to the source report.