In Brandon Aguilera, Nottingham Forest might have a star in the making on their hands. Last night, he produced a wonderful assist as the B-Team drew 2-2 with Middlesbrough.
The Reds opened their season with a pretty useful display against Boro. They were forced to come from behind on two occasions.
It was a star-studded team that Forest picked. Harry Toffolo and Giulian Biancone played for 62 minutes; with Moussa Niakhate, Alex Mighten and Aguilera all getting invaluable minutes.
Forest’s opening goal was a thing of real beauty. Some good play from Harry Toffolo saw him tee up Aguilera to swing in an unplayable cross that gave Jamie McDonnell the chance to nod home an easy goal.
It was great to see Aguilera get the chance to play and perhaps he’s offering Steve Cooper some food for thought. He looks like a menace from set pieces and his delivery last night was excellent.
MORE FOREST STORIES
The 20-year-old went on the pre-season tour to Spain with the senior ranks. It was there that he caught the eye of Niakhate who called him a ‘baller’ following a training match.
Aguilera produces moment of magic as Forest B-Team draw
Being a Category One academy means that Forest will take part in the new-look Premier League 2 this season. Instead of two divisions, now they will take part in one big league and must go head-to-head with the best academies in the country.
That could tempt Cooper and his coaching staff to keep someone like Aguilera around. Before, he might have considered loaning the Costa Rica international out but now there could be some reasoning behind him staying at Forest.
The player must have something about him. He’s already played at a World Cup before his 20th birthday and the standard of football he would play in the Premier League 2 wouldn’t be too bad for his development at all.
Furthermore, he wouldn’t need registering for Cooper’s 25-man Premier League squad. With that in mind, there could be an option for him to feature on the bench if the club picks up injuries as the season progresses.
Last night seemed to showcase a lot about Aguilera. He wasn’t fazed playing against Boro and perhaps now, the club will look to utilise more at that level this season.