Nottingham Forest have produced some exceptional talents over the years.
Matty Cash, Brennan Johnson and Ryan Yates are recent examples, with the latter still flying the flag at the City Ground.
Yates is loved by his Nottingham Forest teammates, and he’s a real fan favourite, with ‘one of our own’ often chanted from the terraces.
But, there has been a shortage of academy stars making the grade since the aforementioned trio, so another graduate would certainly be welcome next season.
With that said, there are two teenagers who could enjoy a breakout year for Nottingham Forest.
The two Nottingham Forest teenagers who could step up next season
Zyan Blake
Zyan Blake, despite being just 17, is already playing years above his age group with the under-21s and registered four goal involvements in as many games in the PL2 last term.
According to The Athletic’s Paul Taylor, Forest coaches are really excited about the talented young winger, who has represented England’s under-16s.
“There are a few players coming through the ranks that the club are excited about – Zyan Blake being one of them,” Taylor explained.
“He is a young man with a lot of natural ability, when it comes to carrying the ball at speed.
In theory, he would fit perfectly into the way that Forest like to play.”
Blake is a versatile attacker as he can operate off both flanks and as a number 10, so that’ll certainly help his case to be involved with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Next season’s congested fixture list, due to Conference League commitments, may see younger players given more of a chance.
Zach Abbott
Zach Abbott has been highly thought of for a number of years and finally got his big chance towards the back end of last season.
Abbott impressed against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, with Espirito Santo praising him post-match.
“He did well. He’s a young lad. He played out of position, we all know that.
“But, we are really proud of the way he competed against such good players and the way he handled himself. He’s going to have a bright future ahead of him.”
Evidently, those words would suggest he’ll feature much more regularly next year.
Andy Reid has been tasked with the job of making Abbott a future star, so the club are really pushing to develop the 19-year-old centre-back.
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