One thing that Nottingham Forest fans are absolutely united on is the club’s academy ranks.
The Forest academy is something to be proud of, with a group of hardworking coaches ensuring that, despite success in the Premier League, the pathway remains clear for the next generation.
Abbott has played for Forest in the Carabao Cup this season and he’s been on the bench on a number of occasions with Nuno Espirito Santo clearly caring about the youth infrastructure.
Tonight, Abbott will be back with the youth ranks as the B-Team take on Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final of the Premier League International Cup at the City Ground.
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Zach Abbott names the Forest player he’s learned so much from
The talented youngster looks like becoming a future first-team player at Forest and these days, he trains regularly with the first team.
Abbott is waiting patiently for a proper chance in the Premier League and with Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo playing so well, he will have to remain patient for now.
Milenkovic has been a revelation at Forest and it would appear that he’s had quite the impact on Abbott just by training alongside him this season.
Abbott told the club’s media team: “It’s more general just like adding the little steps to the stuff we do with the under-23s. I think it’s about going every day and imposing myself on the sessions, really doing the stuff that you can get the most out of everything. You’ve got to be at it every single day of the season, you have to be relentless.
“Tactically, I’ve improved, technically around my feet. I’ve definitely improved there; playing with Premier League players all the time is a massive improvement from where I was last year.
“Learning from Milenkovic. He’s one of the best centre halves in the Premier League. I’m taking stuff from all positions as well not just centre-back.
“The best are doing the same things at the highest level consistently. You can do it in parts when you’re young, but the best do it every single day and they improve constantly.”
Milenkovic is captain material for Forest
Ryan Yates and Morgan Gibbs-White are the captain and vice-captain, respectively, with others in the dressing room also capable of serving as leaders.
Milenkovic is definitely one of those and as the captain of Serbia, he would surely be the next in line for the armband should either of the two regulars be unavailable.
Having more leaders has clearly been beneficial to Forest this season and the defensive side of the team has absolutely improved from last season.
Milenkovic has been an amazing signing since checking in from Fiorentina and it’s great to see that he’s clearly a big influence behind the scenes and not just on a matchday.
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