Latest Nottingham Forest news as Steve Cooper’s Reds reflect on busy summer transfer window
After 13 new arrivals and a number of exits, on paper at least, Nottingham Forest have ended the transfer window with a stronger squad than at the start of the summer.
Head coach Steve Cooper made clear reinforcements were required to help the Reds push on in the Premier League. And the business done is a real statement of intent by owner Evangelos Marinakis.
We want to grow as a club,” Cooper said, when asked about Forest’s transfer business after Saturday’s victory at Chelsea. “Staying in the league last year gave us an opportunity to do that in every aspect, including the level of the team, the level of player, the strength in depth and the style. You have to be able to do everything in the Premier League to win games.
“That’s what we’ve done. Great support from the owner, which is what he’s always done.
It’s given us an opportunity to try to do that now. It’s on us. We’ve got to really think now how we want the team to look.”
With his options bolstered, Cooper certainly faces some selection decisions when the action resumes after the international break. We take a look at the strength in depth in Forest’s squad.
Goalkeepers
When the Reds name their 25-man Premier League squad, it seems likely two of the goalkeepers on their books won’t make the cut. Youngster George Shelvey may well miss out, and it looks like coming down to a choice between Ethan Horvath and Wayne Hennessey to be the third senior stopper on the list behind Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos.
How the situation between the posts looks going forward is also going to be interesting. Turner has done well since joining from Arsenal, but Vlachodimos will really push him for his place.
Options on the books: Ethan Horvath, Wayne Hennessey, George Shelvey, Matt Turner, Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Full-backs
“We’re strong in that position now, so I don’t think we will ever be short of a good option,” Cooper said of his pool of right-backs. “The more of that you can have around the squad, the better.
“That’s my life, trying to make the right decisions. Let’s see how that goes. But there will never be any complaints from me about having good players to choose from.”
Serge Aurier has the shirt at right wing-back at the moment, and has been a key figure in the dressing room during his time at the City Ground. The competition for that place is fierce, though.
The Reds now have a World Cup winner in their ranks, in Gonzalo Montiel. Fellow summer signing Ola Aina is naturally right-footed, and Cooper also has Neco Williams and Giulian Biancone at the club.
The versatility among that group will be particularly useful. Aina has played on the left since he joined, while Williams and Aurier can also play there. Additionally, Aurier has filled in as the right centre-back in a back three and Biancone is flexible, too.
Having players who are comfortable on either side is a big plus. But up until deadline day, Forest were still short of out-and-out left-backs. Omar Richards joined Olympiacos on loan, hoping a change of scene will help in his recovery from injury, while there remains uncertainty about Harry Toffolo’s availability due to off-field issues.
The arrival of Nuno Tavares on loan from the Gunners filled that particular gap. He might have his work cut out to unseat Aina from the role, though, as the free agent addition has been excellent.
Options on the books: Giulian Biancone, Neco Williams, Harry Toffolo, Serge Aurier, Ola Aina, Gonzalo Montiel, Nuno Tavares.
Centre-backs
Cooper has spoken about wanting to be able to switch between playing a three and a four-man back line now his resources have been bolstered. Emerging from the transfer window with that kind of flexibility in the squad was a key priority as the Welshman looks to develop Forest’s style of play.
Murillo arrives from Corinthians as a very highly-rated young Brazilian. Fellow 21-year-old Andrew Omobamidele is also seen as an incredibly bright talent.
Endless debates can now be had about what represents the Reds’ strongest defence. Joe Worrall, Willy Boly and Scott McKenna were all outstanding at Stamford Bridge as they kept a big clean-sheet. They won’t give up their places easily.
Felipe was superb in the second half of last season and is hopefully close to being back out on the pitch, having been on the bench for the last couple of games as he recovers from a knee injury. Meanwhile, Moussa Niakhate will be hoping for a good campaign after being sidelined for such a long time during his first year at the club.
In addition to Aurier, Ryan Yates and Cheikhou Kouyate have filled in at the back before. But with the options available, and hopefully with better luck on the injury front, Forest shouldn’t need to go down that route again.
Options on the books: Joe Worrall, Scott McKenna, Giulian Biancone, Moussa Niakhate, Willy Boly, Serge Aurier, Felipe, Murillo, Andrew Omobamidele.
