Amid a host of attacking quality, Nottingham Forest star Tobias Figueiredo produced one of his best performances during Saturday’s 4-1 win over Blackpool.
The Reds defender nearly left the club in January. Recent injuries to both Steve Cook and Scott McKenna have seen him recalled to the side, however.
McKenna did return on Saturday but with Cook a few weeks away, Figueiredo offered Steve Cooper a timely reminder of his quality.
Figueiredo came close to ending his association with Forest during January. Vitoria had wanted to sign him, although they couldn’t iron out the paperwork in time to beat the deadline.
After a 4-1 win it’s perhaps strange to laud a defender for his efforts. Some statistics from Who Scored showcase just how good the Portuguese enforcer was on Saturday.
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Figueiredo was colossal in the air, winning five headers. He also made six clearances, blocked three shots and claimed three interceptions.
The 28-year-old was also good with the pall at his feet. He made 50 passes, the second-highest of any Forest player, with a success ratio of 74%.
Figueiredo has been critiqued in the past. Plenty have claimed that he’s always got an error in his locker but it’s fair to say that Cooper has started to iron out such an unwanted trait.
Figueiredo deserves new deal at Forest
The Portuguese performer won’t be among the club’s highest earners at the City Ground. As a result, the Reds might be wise to offer him a new contract.
At 28 he’s approaching his peak for a central defender and the club could find themselves needing a central defender in the summer.
Joe Worrall might leave when the transfer window opens. That would leave Cook and McKenna as the two senior options; with Loic Mbe Soh and Jonathan Panzo, the youngsters coming through.
Figueiredo might have his heart set on a return to his homeland. If he wants to continue at Forest, however, the club would be wise to give him an extension.