Anthony Knockaert divides the Nottingham Forest fan base like no other player.
Chris Hughton signed the Frenchman on loan from Fulham upon his arrival at the club.
A proven Championship performer, Knockaert looked an attractive signing on the face of things.
Quite clearly his confidence had taken a hit at the Cottagers and it’s fair to say he took some time to get up to speed.
Since the turn of the year he has been in really good form, yet still he faces fierce critics seemingly after every game.
The cynics aren’t really backed up by any real statistics. Knockaert has created the most chances of any Forest player (17) but has just two assists to his name.
Ultimately if he is whipping balls in, he can’t take the blame for recipient fluffing their lines in front of goal.
Others believe the 29-year-old to be a hot head and that his petulance always runs the risk of a red card.
That may be correct occasionally but Knockaert never gives up and he clearly cares deeply about doing well for the club.
Challenge
Saturday’s game with Reading could offer him the ultimate chance to silence his critics.
He will likely come up against Omar Richards at the weekend; a player who has signed a pre-contract agreement with Bayern Munich.
The left-back passed a medical earlier this month and has agreed on a four-year deal with the Champions League holders.
He has made 31 appearances this season, with the Royals firmly in the hunt for promotion to the Premier League.
On Saturday he will be tasked with stopping Knockaert as Forest go in search of a big three points.
The Fulham-owned player has done pretty well of late.
Against Derby, he gave England under-21 Lee Buchanan full-back a nightmare and a similar mindset will be required if he’s selected on Saturday.
If he can bamboozle the Bundesliga-bound star, Knockaert might silence his Forest critics once and for all.
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