Nottingham Forest star Serge Aurier has lauded the impact that Taiwo Awoniyi has had on the team since his return to action.
The Reds player missed three months of action with a groin problem and as a result, the team’s form stuttered considerably.
Before beating Brighton last month, the Reds had gone 11 games without a victory and slipped to 19th in the Premier League.
His return has helped the team begin to climb the table once again and he’s scored four goals in his last two appearances.
Forest drew 2-2 with Chelsea on Saturday and after the game, the defender heaped a vast amount of praise on his teammate.
Aurier told The Guardian: “We missed him when he got injured for three months but now he’s back and we need to keep him in the team.”
Aurier signed on a free transfer in the summer and has been a brilliant member of the squad this season.
Similarly, Awoniyi has also been a huge presence in the squad but he did cost £17 million from Union Berlin.
Awoniyi lauded by Forest teammate Aurier
The 25-year-old has been in a rich vein of form over the last week and his goals could be crucial.
Awoniyi is clearly an important player and it’s crystal clear that his teammates value the contribution he brings to the team.
Technically, the striker will never be among the best in the league but what he lacks in that sense he makes up in brute strength.
Awoniyi has showcased over the last week that he’s a real menace on the football pitch and he’s proved a very good signing.
The challenge facing the Nigerian striker now is to do this on a consistent basis.
This season his good form has been somewhat sporadic but in fairness to the player, the goals he’s scored have been vitally important.