Nottingham Forest defender Serge Aurier did something utterly brilliant in stoppage time of last night’s 3-1 win over Brighton.
The Reds player returned to the starting eleven after a period on the sidelines to captain the team against the Seagulls.
Aurier signed for Forest in the summer. He didn’t command a transfer fee with his Villarreal contract expiring and the Reds landed a bargain.
The 30-year-old has been utterly sensational. He’s showcased elite-level quality and the team has missed him in his absence.
Forest need to ensure that they keep Aurier wrapped in cotton wool. They can’t lose him again this season, with survival at stake.
As an experienced performer, his leadership could prove vital. Certainly, he did a wonderful job of skippering the side for some of last night.
Aurier is a passionate player. Last night, he did something that will see his stock continue to rise with the Forest fan base.
The man with 82 caps for his country loves a tackle. Against Brighton, he was up against Kaoru Mitoma and he never gave him a sniff.
In the 96th minute, Aurier went ballistic. He roared into a tackle with the Japanese star and won his team a goal kick.
With the Reds trying to see out the game, the Ivorian showed all of his heart by thumping his chest and rousing the supporters in The Brian Clough Stand.
It spoke volumes of the man. Having not played for six weeks, he was still willing to put everything on the line for the cause deep into stoppage time.
Aurier did something brilliant in stoppage time as Forest claimed win
It’s hard not to love Aurier. One of the worst things about being relegated would definitely be the inevitable departure of the right-back.
Forest need to ensure they keep Aurier fit. He’s integral to the team’s fortunes and the team’s best days this season have come when the star man has played.
Aurier’s job on Mitoma was admirable. His tackle and huge roar to the crowd summed up the man that he is.
Forest have had some critics say that not enough players care during their recent poor run of form.
Nobody can ever label Aurier with that criticism and it seems crystal clear that he cares deeply about Forest.