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How Glasner turned McAtee into his new Wharton

Oliver Glasner’s tactical overhaul at Nottingham Forest has unearthed a surprising but effective solution to two key midfield voids. The Austrian manager, who brought his 3-4-2-1 system from Crystal Palace, sought a replacement for the departed Adam Wharton—a creative, defensively solid quarterback—and the departing Elliot Anderson, Forest’s heartbeat in central midfield.

James McAtee, a £30 million acquisition from Manchester City last summer, had struggled for game time under four different Forest managers, starting just two Premier League matches in the previous campaign. Glasner’s bold move: repositioning McAtee far deeper than his usual attacking No.

10 role, leveraging his strengths in tight spaces—a trait even Pep Guardiola has praised. The gamble has paid off early, with McAtee already ranking among the Premier League’s most creative players this season, second in passes leading to shots and tied for third in open-play creativity after just five games.

His punchy through balls mirror Wharton’s influence, offering a promising tribute act in Glasner’s system.

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