This summer, Nottingham Forest signed thirteen new players, and Steve Cooper is beginning to identify his ideal starting lineup.
With only small, mandated alterations to the starting eleven, the Reds have begun to appear more comfortable in recent weeks.
This is our analysis of Steve Cooper’s best starting lineup while managing Nottingham Forest.After moving to the City Ground in the summer, the 29-year-old has made a strong impression, keeping two clean sheets in his first eight Premier League appearances.
RB’s Serge Aurier
Aurier has worn the armband for the Reds on several occasions since his contract was extended this summer, even going so far as to win Man of the Match against Sheffield.
United, where he collected two assists.
So far this season, the 32-year-old has the highest average of any Forest player. His performances have escalated, and his £2.85 million summer transfer from Wolves now appears like a true steal.
Murillo has excelled defensively, but he has also shown off his skill with the ball, showing off some exquisite passes and nifty dribbles that almost saw him score the team’s opening goal against Crystal Palace.
Aina Ola – LB
Despite playing out of position for the majority of his time with the Reds, the 26-year-old, who signed with the team this summer on a free agent, has shown himself to be an excellent addition.
CDM Ibrahim Sangare
The club record signing appears to be gradually establishing his value inside the Nottingham Forest team. With his vast variety of passing when in possession, he’s beginning to demonstrate his ability to win possession of the ball.
Mangala has started every Forest game this season thus far. The Belgian has adopted a deeper role that has increased his opportunities to touch the ball. He is now able to make passes with greater accuracy and elevate his play in this role.
Since moving from Bologna, the Argentine midfielder has become an immediate sensation thanks to his relentless pressing off the ball. The 25-year-old is zipping around the field and scoring for the Reds on his debut against Brentford. He is also looking good in possession.
Calum Hudson-Odoi, Left Wing
With a goal against Burnley on his debut, the 22-year-old “wonderkid” immediately made an impression on life at the City Ground. Since then, he has demonstrated his skill with the ball by dribbling straight at the opponents and creating issues wherever possible.
White, Morgan Gibbs-RW
The Reds’ number 10 has been playing centrally in the last few games, and while he hasn’t quite hit the heights he did the previous season, he is starting to look more like himself.
Although Awoniyi, the Reds’ best scorer thus far this season, has had another successful run in goal, Cooper may be concerned about his latest injury setback. After the international break, hopefully, he can recuperate from his injuries and reach his full potential once more.
