Nottingham Forest are level with Newcastle United at the half-time interval this afternoon but Danilo is having a shocker. The Brazilian was handed his first start for a little while and he’s not covered himself in glory.
The man signed for £16 million from Palmeiras almost a year ago has struggled for a consistent place in the team this season. On this evidence, it’s easy to see why.
Danilo started the season in the team but got injured in a game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. That saw him miss about six weeks and he’s been playing catch up since returning.
Forest midfielder Danilo struggles vs Newcastle
This was by no means vintage Danilo in a Forest shirt. Since he checked in the club have seen some really strong performances from the Brazilian but not so much this season.
In the first half against Newcastle, he was largely ineffective and it will be quite remarkable if he reappears for the second half.
Who Scored showed some statistics that highlight just how much Danilo has struggled in this Forest outing. His 50% pass success ratio was the lowest of any outfield player on the pitch, with just eight of his passes finding red shirts.
He did make two clearances. However, those both came under immense pressure and went straight to Newcastle players.
Danilo has to improve
Okay, having an element of ring rust is normal but this wasn’t the Danilo that Forest fans know and love. He was really poor in those 45 minutes and he can do so much better.
Nuno Espirito Santo could well be giving lots of players auditions right now and he won’t have been happy with this showing.
Danilo was handed the tough task of playing in a midfield two with Forest star Ibrahim Sangare. Against Newcastle’s three-pronged engine room, it was always going to be tough.
However, the youngster will be under no illusions that he needs to do better if he wants to become a regular Premier League player.
Receive a digest of our best Nottingham Forest content each week direct to your mailbox
