Nottingham Forest’s new signing Dan Ndoye has primarily been a winger throughout his career, but he can play a position that could be useful throughout the season.
Dan Ndoye was signed as Anthony Elanga’s replacement, and across his two pre-season appearances, he has exclusively played out on the right-wing.
His performances across the games had Nottingham Forest fans raving about Ndoye, with the Garibaldi supporters getting excited over their new man.
While the Swiss international can play on both sides of the wing, he does offer another versatile option for Nuno Espirito Santo.
Dan Ndoye has previously played as a wingback
Before signing for Nottingham Forest, many English Premier League fans may have been aware of Dan Ndoye due to his appearance against England at EURO 2024.
In that game, he did play his preferred role high up on the right-wing, but in Switzerland’s first match against Hungary, he was dropped deeper.
Ndoye was instead selected as the left wing-back for the Swiss national team, a completely different role to the attacking positions he is used to.
Speaking on the Nottingham Forest: Shut Up and Show More Football podcast, Ndoye said: ‘It was this position I was playing in because the team needed that at that moment.”
While he admitted that he “needs to do his job,” he did say he enjoys playing further forward in his natural role: ‘I prefer to be a bit in front. And yes, I prefer to attack, of course.’
While it is likely that Dan Ndoye will play higher up the pitch for Nottingham Forest more often than not, his versatility can become a useful tool for the club throughout the season.
Nuno Espirito Santo has used a back three at Nottingham Forest before
Although Nuno Espirito Santo has so far preferred to opt for a flat back four at Forest, there have been occasions where he has switched to a back three.
One game in particular which stands out is Forest’s 7-0 win over Brighton at the City Ground in last season’s Premier League, where the Portuguese manager started Morata, Milenkovic and Murillo as part of a three-man defence.
It was a tactical switch that paid dividends, giving the Tricky Trees their largest ever Premier League win, and it wouldn’t come as a shock if this setup was to be used again at some point.
In the case that Forest find themselves struggling against Brentford on the opening weekend, a shift to a back three may offer more outlets, stretching the pitch, and providing crossing opportunities for Chris Wood.
If they are to bring back the formation that recorded their biggest ever victory, then Dan Ndoye could be a great option to add more attacking threat on the wings.
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