‘He’s a proper threat’: Nottingham Forest told they have a really dangerous 26-year-old player

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Robbie Mustoe has heaped praise on Taiwo Awoniyi for his efforts as Nottingham Forest defeated Aston Villa. Goals from Ola Aina and Orel Mangala gave the Reds a huge victory at the City Ground yesterday.

Forest were in need of a win from somewhere. They had started to slide down the Premier League table but yesterday’s win has propelled them up to 12th place.

In Awoniyi, Forest have a player who is always looking to be a menace. He was handed a start yesterday after only being fit enough for the bench at Liverpool last weekend.

Forest star Awoniyi praised

The 26-year-old checked in at Forest from Union Berlin after the Reds had won promotion to the Premier League. He cost the club around £18 million and he scored 11 times last season.

Awoniyi kicked off this season in style too, scoring in the first three games for Forest. Injury struck recently though and the team sorely missed his physical presence in attack.

Yesterday, he was back in the starting line-up though and Forest welcomed Awoniyi back with open arms. Mustoe is clearly a big fan and he raved about him.

The pundit told NBC Sports on YouTube: “Nottingham Forest found a way to win. Steve Cooper made big decisions. He dropped the goalkeeper, Matt Turner, he changed from a back five to a four and dropped two of the defenders from last weekend.

“It’s big calls, big decisions and when you see big Taiwo Awoniyi playing upfront when you have Gibbs-White and Elanga, he’s a proper threat with different types of players around him.”

Awoniyi brings different dimension to Cooper’s team

Without watching Forest on a frequent basis, it’s hard to truly explain what Awoniyi brings to the team. Clearly, he’s capable of scoring goals but his game is about far more than that.

Awoniyi never gives the opposition defenders a moment of respite. By just being on the bench he gives players something different to think about and he’s a quality striker.

Forest are much more effective when Awoniyi is on the pitch. Now, the club – and Cooper, will be hoping that the Nigeria talisman can stay fit and get back on the goalscoring trail this season.