Nuno Espirito has been a revelation at Nottingham Forest in 2024, with Forest fans hoping to see a continuation of their brilliant Premier League run into 2025.
Forest find themselves in an unlikely battle for European football going into the new year, which is especially surprising given some of the comments that pundits had made about Forest and Espirito Santo individually at the start of the 24/25 season.
Sam Matterface predicted Forest to struggle this season, whilst high-profile pundit Gary Lineker thought Forest would be relegated but has since made an apologetic U-turn on the prediction.
The Forest manager was also doubted, with Jamie Redknapp praising Espirito Santo after previously doubting him after his time at Tottenham.
With a more accurate consensus on Espirito Santo now achieved, the Forest boss can now focus on these three tricky decisions he will need to make to ensure success remains at the City ground in 2025.
Moving on from Taiwo Awoniyi
With the continued scoring form of Chris Wood, there has been a lack of opportunities available for Nigerian striker, Taiwo Awoniyi.
Awoniyi has only started twice for Forest this season, leading to Charlie McParland saying Forest should sell Awoniyi and look to provide stronger competition for Wood.
Whilst Espirito Santo trusts Awoniyi, he should look to sell him to provide the funds for another striker. Santiago Gimenez could be available for Forest once more in January, meaning the sale of Awoniyi would be incredibly beneficial in terms of freeing up funds.
Prepare for life without Murillo
One of 2024’s most consistently brilliant stars for Forest has been Brazillian centre-back Murillo, something that has not gone unnoticed in the football world.
Real Madrid were spotted scouting Murillo in November, with his desirable combination of age and being left-footed attracting the attention of clubs that Forest will struggle to compete with.
Interest has come from closer to home too, with Liverpool eying Murillo as a potential heir to Virgil van Dijk. Therefore, Espirito Santo and Forest must begin to plan for a life without Murillo.
It may not be something they need to consider in January, but the 2025 summer window could see Murillo sold and an adequate replacement needed for the Forest squad.
Adapt to Morgan Gibbs-White’s strengths from deep
Forest’s midfield talisman, Morgan Gibbs-White, has mostly starred in an attacking midfield position in Espirito Santo’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system. However, Forest’s victory over Brentford in December showed that the Englishman can provide more for the Forest manager from a deeper role.
Gibbs-White started in a 3-4-3 formation against Brentford, allowing him to pick the ball up from deep and drive Forest forward as they exploited counterattacks effectively.
He was also brilliant defensively, showing Espirito Santo that he can trust him to provide all aspects to dominate Premier League midfields. On the occasions that a 3-4-3 or similar may suit Forest, Espirito Santo should utilise Gibbs-White in this deeper role more often.
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