This piece is part of a new feature, where here at Nottingham Forest News we will reflect and mark the performances of our squad from the Championship campaign that recently concluded.
First up we start between the posts and take a look at stopper Brice Samba. The goalkeeper maintained his position as the number one custodian throughout the campaign.
He signed in the summer of 2019 for £1.8 million and enjoyed a decent maiden campaign at the City Ground.
It’s fair to say that the 2020/21 season didn’t start in the best fashion. The first four games of the campaign ended in defeat and doubts were raised about the goalkeeper.
A first clean sheet came in the 1-0 win over Blackburn and he did go on and make 14 in total. To say that Forest finished in 17th place, that doesn’t seem like a bad return.
What did he do well?
Samba saved a penalty against Blackburn in February at a time when Forest badly needed points in their relegation fight.
He also produced a standout performance against Coventry in the same month and started to edge back to his best after Christmas.
Samba’s biggest attribute has always been how quick he is across his line. He’s a strong shot-stopper and his distribution was once again flawless during 2020/21.
Where can he improve?
When he gets it right, Samba comes for crosses extremely well. Getting them right, can sometimes prove problematic though.
Consistency is key with Samba and he does goes through fits and starts. If he could gain a little more composure when plucking the ball from the sky, he’d become a better goalkeeper for it.
Samba sometimes bites off more than he can chew and sometimes his flamboyant style of goalkeeping can catch him cold.
Summary
Samba has enjoyed a decent campaign between the posts and his clean sheet return hasn’t been bad at all.
Some solid competition would be ideal. Nothing against Jordan Smith but an experienced number two could help kick Samba to the next level.
Forest will need a busy summer to reshape the squad but it’s reasonable to suggest they’d be in safe hands if Samba is still the man trusted by Hughton to keep goal next season.
Season rating: 7/10
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