Although he may have endured a tough Premier League debut on Monday night, Gonzalo Montiel is a man who needs to be given time to settle in at the City Ground.
The 26-year-old was booked and substituted before the 50-minute mark, after struggling to contain the pace and skill of Burnley forward Luca Koleosho.
23-cap international Montiel has never played in England before, with the high-tempo nature of the game different from the play style often utilised in La Liga.
It’s clear that there is a solid player in there based on his achievements throughout his career so far.
However, for now, he looks slightly off the pace, with Ola Aina a better option for the right-hand side in Serge Aurier’s absence.
Montiel’s tough start to life at the City Ground
The 26-year-old right-back joined the Reds during the summer window on a season-long loan, with an option to make the deal permanent.
Montiel has made 235 career appearances at clubs such as River Plate and Sevilla, with Copa America, Europa League and World Cup titles under his belt.
However, despite all of his career achievements, after signing he admitted it’s his “dream” to play in the Premier League.
Forest fans should flashback to the start of last season when a certain Renan Lodi made his first few appearances for the club.
Although in the end, the Brazilian became a fan favourite, he struggled during his first few outings for the Reds but soon found his feet once he’d adapted his game to fit the Premier League.
Montiel certainly shouldn’t be written off, it’s clear he possesses good qualities that can improve the Forest squad, however, we may have to be patient in order to see the best in the Argentinian international.
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