Nottingham Forest will be going in search of several new players this summer, with a left-back on the list of targets.
Alex Moreno is being linked with Leeds after Forest opted not to sign him permanently after his season-long loan from Aston Villa.
Furthermore, Neco Williams got injured playing for Wales, and it’s not clear at this stage whether he will be fit for the start of pre-season.
A number of left-backs have been linked so far this off-season. Forest want Cuiabano from Botafogo and that’s a deal that could be some way down the track.
Other options will likely be identified and one player in particular played superbly well at the City Ground on Tuesday night.
Nottingham Forest should approach El Hadji Malick Diouf
The 20-year-old star was at the City Ground on Tuesday night as Senegal became the first African team to beat England in history.
Diouf started as a left-back and was outstanding as the African outfit ran riot to hand Thomas Tuchel his first defeat as the Three Lions boss.
The youngster currently plays for Slavia Prague, and it’s claimed that he will cost around £25 million should he leave this summer.
A host of clubs will be interested, and it would be an ideal time to pounce on a player who clearly has an abundance of talent when it comes to playing left-back.
Diouf scored seven goals and claimed four assists from 41 appearances last season, and it looks pretty nailed on that he’s going to move on this summer.
What the Senegalese media said about El Hadji Malick Diouf
The player was given rave reviews by the national media for his efforts against England.
He gave a makeshift England back four the runaround down the left-hand side and there was a lot to like about his performance.
Wiw Sport gave him a 7.5/10 and said: “Preferred to Ismail Jakobs for the left-back position, the Slavia Prague player was very up to the task in this match against England. Very efficient and determined in each of his interventions, he started his match with a good return to the feet of Saka.
“Always as accurate in these crosses, he posed a constant danger, even offering nice openings or daring raids to put himself at the service of Ismaila Sarr or Habib Diarra. Pape Thiaw and the supporters also want him to be effective in defence, the adversity of the evening undoubtedly allowed them to judge him since Malick was very good in this defensive register with two very significant returns.
“He literally devoured Walker and Saka. He asserts himself in this position and already seems essential.”
The advantage Diouf has over Neco Williams
Forest definitely need to get a left-back sorted.
Although Williams was in fantastic form last season, he’s not left-footed, and that does represent a cause for concern.
With Forest operating with a counter-attacking style, things can sometimes become a little stifled with Williams not being a natural on that side of the pitch.
Although the Welshman is unlikely to get dropped any time soon, it would be great to have some genuine competition for his position.
With that in mind, Diouf would represent a very decent signing and now might be the time for Forest to show their hand for the Senegalese star.
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