Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has heaped praise on Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper during an interview with the Daily Star.
The centre-back has been so good during 2021/22 that he’s been called up by England and earned himself a first cap.
Guehi learned his trade under Cooper though, first with the England under-17 squad and then on loan at Swansea.
His performances for the Swans helped them reach the play-offs in back-to-back campaigns; before moving to Palace on a permanent transfer in the summer.
Guehi made 59 appearances for the Swans and was rock solid under Cooper he helped nurture him.
Now, the defender has been singing the praises of the head coach and gave him a glowing reference as a coach.
He told the Daily Star: “He’s had a massive impact. I think he’s a fantastic coach and a great person.
“He’s definitely someone who has helped me get to the point where I am. He really helped me develop as a player and he’s someone that if I ever need I can call 100 per cent.
“We had a little conversation (ahead of his first England game) and having someone like that is fantastic.”
Forest in safe hands with Cooper
Of course, the Reds aren’t going to be signing Guehi anytime soon, given that he’s penned a five-year deal with Palace.
What these comments do highlight, however, is just how well respected Cooper is as a coach.
He says all the right things and more crucially in modern-day football, he gets the players on board with his way of thinking quickly.
Guehi’s comments offer hope for the future. Forest will likely be at the top of the list of several Premier League clubs when it comes to loaning their better youngsters out.