Gary Lineker was impressed with Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi as the Reds were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United.
The pundit was hosting the live coverage for BBC One last night.
So, what did Lineker say about Forest striker Awoniyi? Let’s take a closer look…
What Gary Lineker said about Forest star Taiwo Awoniyi
Well, it would appear as though the former England talisman was impressed with Awoniyi despite the Forest defeat.
Wayne Rooney said that Awoniyi needed to do better during the Forest defeat – but Lineker is seemingly a huge fan.
At half-time of the game, talk turned towards the strikers with the game finely poised at that point.
Lineker mentioned that he felt Forest star Awoniyi was more natural than Manchester United player Marcus Rashford in one aspect of his game.
He said live on BBC One: “I think when we talk about players in the box I actually think Awoniyi is more of a natural than Marcus Rashford. Clearly, he’s not as talented, but he is a goalscorer. He smells it.”
Awoniyi striving for full fitness
The 26-year-old was probably rushed back once again from his latest injury – with Chris Wood ruled out through injury for some time.
Awoniyi is therefore feeling the impact of being asked to play every Forest game and perhaps going out of the FA Cup isn’t a bad thing.
Forest are down to the bare bones in attack and keeping the Nigerian fit is going to be crucial.
Awoniyi was perhaps off it a little bit last night. He couldn’t take one of his chances and ultimately Forest were left to rue them.
He wasn’t the only one guilty of missing chances, however, and collectively the Forest squad have to take responsibility.
Forest have some huge games coming in the Premier League and hopefully, Awoniyi can help the Reds claim some big points.
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