Steve Cooper delivered praise on Brennan Johnson after Nottingham Forest defeated Leeds United at the City Ground. The 21-year-old scored the only goal of the game as the Reds continued their fine run of form in 2023.
Johnson scored a scintillating volley for the Reds in the opening 15 minutes of the clash. His effort whizzed beyond Illan Meslier and sent the City Ground into raptures. Leeds sacked Jesse Marsch yesterday following the defeat.
Forest can start to look up. Johnson now has seven goals this season in all competitions and the academy graduate is showcasing that he’s got what it takes to become a quality Premier League player.
Johnson was always going to have a huge weight on his shoulders this season. He scored 19 goals and claimed 10 assists last season and he was also going to remain the team’s match-winner.
After Sunday’s game, he earned some praise from his boss. Cooper is clearly a big fan and it’s fair to say he knows exactly how to get a tune out of his players.
The Forest head coach told BBC Sport: “He’s a fantastic player, we know he’s got qualities and is a great finisher. The guys didn’t get loads of service at the top end of the pitch but, sometimes you just need one moment, so obviously, him and Keylor in our goal in the first half were brilliant with the save so some big individual moments for sure.”
Cooper praise for Johnson is deserved
Since the World Cup, the Forest forward has been inspired for the Reds. He’s really hit the ground running and is now getting the goals that his work rate warrants.
There is more to come from him though. Johnson is capable of the sublime and he will hope to keep the pedal to the metal between now and the end of the season.
It’s quite scary just how good Johnson can be. He’s already one of the country’s brightest young talents and with a few more goals this season, his stock will continue to rise.