Nottingham Forest spent heavily during the summer, with every emphasis being placed on challenging for promotion to the Premier League.
Several new players arrived at the City Ground, with boss Aitor Karanka rebuilding a squad that he thinks is capable of a push towards the higher echelons of the division.
Saturday’s 1-0 win over Sheffield United propelled Forest into the top six of the Championship and the challenge now is to maintain their solid form of late.
One thing that was highlighted in the weekend win was the embarrassment of riches now available at Karanka’s disposal, particularly in midfield.
Claudio Yacob was handed the chance to debut against the Blades with Jack Colback suspended. The tough-tackling midfielder showed exactly why West Bromwich Albion fans were flabbergasted when he wasn’t offered a new deal at the Hawthorns during the summer.
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The 31-year-old signed for the Reds on a free, having surprisingly been released by the Albion and demonstrated what a quality addition he is can be for his new club, with an eye-catching performance.
The Argentinean performer has played 160 times in the England’s top division, with his vast experience on show during his maiden appearance for his new club.
With Ben Watson and Liam Bridcutt performing way below par during last week’s EFL Cup defeat to Burton Albion, Yacob’s emergence was timely to say the least.
With Colback’s suspension now completed, his return to the squad will present Karanka with a serious midfield conundrum. On Yacob’s debut showing, however, the man on loan from Newcastle will now face a real battle reclaim his spot in the starting line-up.