Nottingham Forest signed 22 new players in the summer and it’s proved a balancing act for Steve Cooper.
People will have their own opinions on whether the head coach was responsible for singing them all.
Modern-day football is a strange beast though and Cooper knows it’s his job to blend the team together.
With the World Cup now upon us, the Reds have a chance to take stock and prepare for their fight against relegation.
We decided that with domestic football parked, for the time being, we’d have a look at three new signings that need to do more after the World Cup.
Three Nottingham Forest players who need to do more after the World Cup:
Emmanuel Dennis
This one may seem slightly harsh considering he hasn’t played a great deal but Dennis can do more.
He’s not looked too bad when called upon but there is definitely more to come from the player.
Dennis scored his only Forest goal during a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa but he’s struggled to hold down a regular place.
The player could become a real force if he settles down and starts to prove his worth following a £20 million transfer.
He scored 10 goals in the Premier League last season and Forest need to see more of that after the break.
Loic Bade
Some fans aren’t convinced that Bade actually exists.
He’s made the Forest squad just once since checking in on loan from Rennes and it doesn’t make sense that he’s not played.
It’s never easy coming to a new country but clearly, he’s not done enough in training to warrant being picked.
Cooper has been trying to get something settled going at the back but in recent weeks he has chopped and changed.
Still, Bade hasn’t been able to get a look in and there is clearly something not quite right with the youngster.
The deal to sign Bade doesn’t look like a particularly good one at this point.
Renan Lodi
The Brazilian did pick up just prior to the international break and made good performances against Tottenham in the cup and Crystal Palace in the league.
It’s fair to say that there is definitely more to come from him though and Forest fans will hope he can kick on.
Lodi was a very good signing on paper. He’s won the La Liga title with Atletico Madrid and can clearly play.
He now needs to stay knuckled down and continue showing the form he produced just prior to the international break.
If he can improve, the Reds could have their left-side sorted.