It took Keylor Navas less than two minutes in a Nottingham Forest shirt to showcase his utter brilliance. His save from Luis Sinisterra simply oozed class and offered the Reds a glimpse of what is to come from the Costa Rican.
A quick look towards the word elite in the dictionary, tells you: ‘A select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group of society’.
Navas is elite. The goalkeeper signed for Forest on transfer deadline day from PSG. He has won the Champions League three times with Real Madrid and the Reds have got themselves a coup.
The goalkeeper made four saves during a brilliant 45-minute first-half display yesterday. He also got a boot from Gnonto to the face and looked the part between the posts.
In truth, Navas didn’t have a lot to do in the second half. He did, however, know when to slow the game down and continued to command his box brilliantly despite having little to do.
Steve Cooper was impressed with the 36-year-old too. He said after the game: “You don’t need me to tell you about his experience and the success he’s had in his career. He would have wanted to do well for his new club and he did. He was brilliant. Outstanding and composed.”
Navas moment for Forest showcases utter brilliance
Despite his advancing years, Navas showcased yesterday that there is plenty left in the tank. With Fulham, Manchester City and West Ham to come, there will be other games where he will have plenty to do.
The man with 110 caps for his country will only get sharper with the more games he plays. Yesterday for his example some of his kicking went wayward but that accuracy will return.
Some people will sceptical about adding Navas to the ranks. He is hardly seen as an option for the future and some felt that the funds could be better used elsewhere.
Yesterday, he dismissed such a flawed theory in less than two minutes. His magic save was followed up by a lightning-quick reflex to pounce on the loose ball and clearly, he still has lots to offer Forest.