The 2025/26 campaign has been a tough baptism of fire for Nottingham Forest star Igor Jesus, but his hard work is now reaping rewards.
Jesus scored and claimed an assist at Sunderland and played a big part in the opening goal scored by Forest, which was turned into his own net by Trai Hume.
How would you rate these two out of 10 this season?
A stunning record!
Chris Wood’s injury, which required surgery, has led to Jesus being thrust into the role of number one striker at the football club.
After Friday’s huge 5-0 victory over Sunderland, Jesus has been discussing his maiden season in England, revealing which defender helped him realise just how far he’s come in the Premier League.
What Igor Jesus said about Matthijs de Ligt
A game against Manchester United back in November was the game when Jesus started to realise that he belonged in the Premier League.
Coming up against De Ligt is no mean feat, but Jesus claims that the thing that had shocked him prior to his meeting with the Dutchman was how strong Premier League defenders were.
Jesus, however, got some joy when it came to battling with De Ligt during the 2-2 draw with Manchester United and has been telling Nottinghamshire Live about the match.
The Forest striker said: “I collided with him and he moved, and I thought, ‘I’m improving’. That shows you have the ability to be here and live all this. It boosts your performance and helps you reach a higher level.”
Jesus has been a credit to himself since signing for Forest and certainly since Vitor Pereira came to the club, he’s been in brilliant goalscoring form.
Jesus was signed as a backup to Wood with more football to play ahead of Forest’s European campaign, but he quickly found himself thrust into action.
With 15 goals in all competitions this season, it’s hard to be too critical of his form in the Premier League, and he will almost certainly be an asset next season after benefitting from regular game time this season.
Receive a digest of our best Nottingham Forest content each week direct to your mailbox
