Alan Rogers thinks Nottingham Forest have missed Taiwo Awoniyi this season following his performance against Liverpool.
The Nigerian striker missed three months of action after picking up an injury against Southampton in January.
Awoniyi signed for the Reds from Union Berlin in the summer. He became the club’s first summer signing and cost around £18 million.
The 25-year-old has scored five goals for the Reds this season and on Saturday he nearly added another.
Awoniyi attempted an acrobatic bicycle kick but his effort sailed just over Alisson’s bar.
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Rogers lauded the big talisman for his efforts at the weekend and he believes one Liverpool star was bullied.
He The Boot Room Podcast: “They’ve missed him because he’s been out injured. He’s the battering ram in the team with Brennan Johnson and Morgan Gibbs-White usually at the side of him. I haven’t seen anyone bully Virgil van Dijk like that this season.
“The overhead kick was unlucky at the end as well. I thought Forest looked like a different side and I think it was like the shackles came off.”
Rogers thinks Forest have missed Awoniyi
The man who spent nine years in total playing for Forest is spot on here and the uncompromising striker was brilliant at Liverpool.
His presence in the team caused serious problems for the hosts. He was also unfortunate not to bag himself a goal on the day.
Awoniyi will be a huge player for Forest for the remainder of the campaign. His physical presence is unrivalled and he can also score goals.
Forest face Brighton this evening and they’re in desperate need of a big three points.
Surely Awoniyi will get the nod to start this evening. Forest need him in the team and he constantly sticks defenders on their heels.
The Reds could do with a few more goals from their talisman.
He can occasionally look rushed when it comes to finishing and he’d dearly like to add some composure to his game in the future.