£3m player won the most aerial duels for Forest on Sunday, he only played 14 minutes

Add as preferred source on Google

Nottingham Forest defender Willy Boly was really unlucky to miss out once again on Sunday against West Ham United.

The 32-year-old has impressed this season under boss Steve Cooper, taking his performances to the next level from the previous campaign.

Boly, who joined the Reds for around £3 million from Wolverhampton Wanderers, was brought on in the 76th minute on Sunday after Murillo limped off with a hamstring problem.

However, even though the Ivorian only played 14 minutes, he still made his mark on the encounter…

READ: Three Nottingham Forest players now all called up to the same international squad for World Cup qualifier

Boly impresses once again for Forest

The former Wolves defender contested six aerial battles within his 14 minutes on the pitch, winning four of them.

Boly’s four aerial battles won was the most of any Forest player who featured during the 3-2 loss, a remarkable stat to say he featured in the closing stages.

He didn’t do anything to be dropped in the first place, however, Murillo’s hamstring problem may allow him to regain his starting position.

Boly has partnered Moussa Niakhate previously, and with the pair looking solid they may be utilised once again after the international break.

Boly has been so important this season

Even though Boly might not be considered the first choice at the moment, his presence in the squad is important given the leadership qualities he brings to the group.

At 32 he’s one of the more experienced members of the Forest squad, helping youngsters such as Murillo develop into a top quality defender.

Boly is out of contract in the summer. With that in mind, Forest will face a big decision over whether to keep the central defender beyond this season.