As we enter the second international break, it’s time to reflect on a decent start to the season for Nottingham Forest. The Reds sit 13th in the Premier League, with nine points from their eight games so far.
Steve Cooper now has a wonderful squad at his disposal. Indeed, he will be demanding that his team edge towards mid-table obscurity this term after a relegation battle last season.
The Reds have shown some good performances in recent weeks, although they’ve not completely clicked just yet. Now, we have an ideal time to introduce our ‘Power Rankings’ for the season, looking at the team’s best and most in-form players.
We will revisit this when the Premier League draws to a halt in November for another round of international matches – to see who is rising and who is falling…
Nottingham Forest Power Rankings
1: Willy Boly
The Ivorian has been a man determined to roll back the years and make up for some lost time through injury. The team have looked excellent when Boly has played and he deserves credit.
Boly has missed just one game in the Premier League this season. That came during a 1-1 draw against Burnley and the Reds will be hoping he can stay fit this season.
2: Ola Aina
It’s a shame that Aina has only been able to make five appearances so far because when he’s played he’s been faultless for Forest.
To say that he signed for free in the summer. it’s been extremely impressive from the 26-year-old and he deserves his place at number two on our list.
3: Nicolas Dominguez
It’s been hard not to be impressed with the Argentine after his performances in the Garibaldi. He made his debut against Manchester City and simply hasn’t looked back.
Dominguez is hardworking and boasts a great engine in the middle of the park. At 25-years-old, he’s showing that he could become integral to Forest in the coming months.
4: Taiwo Awoniyi
Although he’s now set to miss a month, it’s hard not to include a player who is still the club’s top goalscorer this season. His three goals came in the first three games of the season but he’s still extremely important.
The challenge for Forest now is to find someone else to take on the burden of scoring goals. Awoniyi is integral to how the team plays and they will want him back quickly.
5: Serge Aurier
The Ivorian has captained Forest this season when Joe Worrall has been left out of the side. He’s clearly a very popular figure in the dressing room and he remains an important player.
6: Murillo
We had to include the central defender despite the fact he’s only played twice for Forest. Despite just two appearances, his stock has risen considerably at the City Ground.
He was truly outstanding against Crystal Palace on Saturday and for that performance alone, we’ve put him in at number six on our list.
7: Orel Mangala
The Belgian is quietly going about his business this season. He’s another player who has made seven appearances in the Premier League and he’s showcasing what he’s all about to the supporters.
8: Morgan Gibbs-White
The 23-year-old is the most creative player in the Forest team and he’s not been anywhere near as bad as some supporters have tried to make out.
He always gives his all on the pitch and it’s fair to say that he will be hoping to feature higher up this list when we update the ‘Power Rankings’ in November.
9: Matt Turner
The new Forest goalkeeper has been largely steady this season. He will have to stay on his toes given that Odysseas Vlachodimos is now breathing down his neck in reserve.
Turner has had a couple of eerie moments between the posts. However, he’s commanded his area very well at times and he looks like a solid addition to the ranks.
10: Callum Hudson-Odoi
The player signed from Chelsea during the drama on transfer deadline day has looked the part so far. He scored a brilliant goal against Burnley on his debut and has performed well.
At 22-years-old, Hudson-Odoi looks like an amazing addition made by Forest. The hope will be that he can rediscover his form from his time at Chelsea and help Forest climb the table.
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