‘Talent’… Moussa Niakhate thinks Nottingham Forest have a serious player on their hands

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Nottingham Forest defender Moussa Niakhate has heaped praise on Ateef Konate on Instagram. The Senegal international produced a wonderful display last weekend as Forest drew with Wolves.

Niakhate signed for Forest from Mainz in the summer of 2022 for a fee in the region of £12 million. Last term he struggled with injury problems but he’s managed to stay fit this season.

The 27-year-old has proved a decent signing for the Reds. However, due to his injury issues, Niakhate might still feel as though he’s currently trying to prove himself to the supporters.

After a recent defeat to Brighton, Niakhate appeared to get treatment on the pitch after the game. Although he looked to be in some discomfort it fortunately proved to be nothing serious and he was in fine form last Saturday.

Niakhate raves about Forest B-Team star

Konate has been at Forest for a few years now. He signed from a star-studded Le Havre academy and he’s been trying to force his way into the senior ranks at the City Ground.

The 22-year-old does have a first-team appearance to his name. He came on as a substitute during a 3-0 win over Barnsley during the club’s promotion-winning campaign.

This season he’s starred for the B-Team and helped them reach the knockout stages of the EFL Trophy in their maiden season competing in it.

Earlier this week, he received some praise from Niakhate. He posted a snap of Konate on his Instagram story and simply placed the word ‘talent’ alongside the image.

Konate needs loan move in January

Niakhate is right that the Forest gem is a talent but now he needs regular game time among men. There is a concept that he could get that too, with reports claiming that 15 EFL clubs have watched Konate this season.

Konate seems to have outgrown B-Team football now and Forest need him to be playing against men. He has the skill set to dazzle in senior football and it will be intriguing to see if he gets picked up.

Niakhate is originally from France and perhaps he’s taken Konate under his wing a little bit at the City Ground. That perhaps highlights the leadership qualities that the stylish central defender brings to the Forest ranks.