Alan Shearer has praised Chris Wood, the striker for Nottingham Forest, for his performance over the weekend. He is included in the pundit’s Premier League Team of the Week.
In the January transfer window, Shearer’s favorite team, Newcastle United, lost Wood, who joined Forest instead. The 31-year-old agreed to permanent terms on a £15 million transfer in the summer following an initial loan agreement.
When called upon this season, Wood has been playing rather well. After recovering from an injury, he looked stronger, more agile, and added three goals to his total for Forest.
Wood is included in the Weekly Team
When it counted most over the weekend, Wood saved the day for Forest. In his first goal, he scored expertly after going one-on-one, and in his second, he scored with a trademark header.
Shearer found Forest star Wood impressive. “Led the line well with two goals, and so nearly a hat trick,” he said in an interview with the official Premier League website. This kind of play is what Forest’s forward will need to deliver.
Wood joined the Forest squad only after Taiwo Awoniyi sustained an injury that kept him out of action for a month. This performance by the striker gave the New Zealand international a much-needed boost as he is gradually returning to fitness.
This season, Forest striker Wood will have a part to play.
It appears very likely that Awoniyi will rejoin the team when he is available again. He continues to be a key player and is essential to Forest’s style of play.
Nevertheless, Wood will undoubtedly play a significant part for Forest this year. When he does get a chance to lead the line, he will be the second in command and his only job is to score goals.
Wood ought to have been part of a winning Forest team on Saturday. Although he was unlucky not to score a hat-trick, the experience will give him a lot more confidence.
