Five things we learned from Nottingham Forest’s 0-0 draw against Estoril

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Nottingham Forest drew 0-0 with Estoril in their final friendly in Portugal, making it four pre-season fixtures without a victory.

It was always going to be hard to top Saturday’s friendly against Fulham, which ended with Morgan Gibbs-White signing a new contract.

The result needed improving, though, with the 3-1 defeat to The Cottagers not the ideal outcome for Nuno Espírito Santo.

0-0 on Wednesday evening wasn’t ideal, then, but there was plenty to pick out in the Estoril friendly that will have intrigued Reds fans.

What we learned as Nottingham Forest draw with Estoril

Nuno Espírito Santo is willing to experiment

Starting the game, Forest lined up in a system that was completely unrecognisable to the entirety of last season’s successes.

A narrow diamond of Ibrahim Sangare, Ryan Yates, Elliot Anderson and Gibbs-White saw the Forest manager attempt to flood the midfield, while a strike partnership gave the Reds new opportunities.

There were clear signs of teething problems with the setup, but it’s good to see that Nuno is willing to experiment with tactical systems, which could be crucial as Forest’s schedule will be busier than ever.

Cover at full-back is still needed

It was Zach Abbott who started at right-back in the narrow system, a role that didn’t seem to suit the Forest academy graduate.

Estoril had a number of early chances that were created down Forest’s left, and each time there was a spare man at the far post as Abbott drifted into more natural central areas.

As his development continues, Abbott shouldn’t be required to cover at right-back, so Edu and the recruitment staff will need to find cover for Ola Aina to ensure Forest aren’t left short.

Ibrahim Sangare will command Nottingham Forest’s midfield

The diamond formation seemed to nullify the talents of Anderson, but Sangare certainly was the one midfielder who looked in control in the new system.

Sangare had a strong end to last season alongside Anderson in Espírito Santo’s traditional 4-2-3-1 formation, adding a calm presence alongside the young Englishman’s dynamism.

Unless a star midfielder is added to the squad, Sangare must be trusted to be the anchor in the central areas to start the campaign.

Adam Berry could earn opportunities next season

Espírito Santo gave two youngsters a tough challenge in the second half, with Adam Berry and Archie Whitehall in a two-man pair.

Both performed admirably, but Berry in particular stood out as a tidy-looking midfielder in his 45-minute cameo.

As the season drew to a close, Berry was linked with a move away from Forest, with teams in the Championship and Belgian side Westerlo showing interest in the 19-year-old.

On Wednesday evening’s evidence, Forest will be delighted to have kept hold of the former Manchester United youngster.

The intensity will need to be upped after Portugal trip

Youngsters impressing and experimenting with formations is a positive part of pre-season, but as Forest return to England after the Estoril game, the intensity will need to be upped for the final three friendlies.

One goal in four pre-season clashes isn’t ideal but the early preparations are more about fitness. It’s fair to say, though, that the Birmingham clash represents the moment where fitness needs to turn into form.

Ideally, Forest’s signing of Dan Ndoye will give Espírito Santo the chance to truly set up his team in a more favourable system to give the City Ground faithful a little more to be excited about on the pitch.