Steve Cooper has four undroppable Nottingham Forest stars ahead of Taiwo Awoniyi return
Steve Cooper now has four undroppable Nottingham Forest stars ahead of Taiwo Awoniyi return
Taiwo Awoniyi is sidelined with injury but a number of players have shown their importance and pinned down a place in the Reds XI in his absence
There was no disguising Steve Cooper’s frustration after Nottingham Forest’s draw with Luton Town on Saturday.
Prior to throwing away a two-goal lead which resulted in them having to settle for a point against the Hatters, the Reds had made an encouraging start to the season. Results hadn’t always matched performances, but there had still been much to be encouraged by.
Come full-time at the City Ground, however, some boos rang out after Forest had gone a fifth game without a win. There is still plenty of cause for optimism, but there is no doubt the Reds remain a work in progress.
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Injuries impacted Cooper’s options at the weekend, and they are likely to have an effect again as he prepares for Sunday’s trip to face Liverpool. The Welshman does have some key selection decisions to make for the clash at Anfield, but he also has some players who are firmly cementing their places in the side.
Taiwo Awoniyi certainly falls within that group when he recovers from injury – and last week Cooper said he was “progressing well” amid hopes he won’t be out for too much longer. With that in mind, we take a look at some of the Reds’ most important players as things stand.
Murillo
He has only played three games, but already the Brazilian is establishing himself as a key player – as well as a great prospect. There may well come a time when Cooper feels he needs a rest or decides leaving him out of the XI is best for his development, but for now it is his place to lose. The exciting thing is the 21-year-old can get even better as he gets used to the Premier League and gains experience.
Orel Mangala
The midfielder has really come into his own in recent games. He has come on leaps and bounds in the space of 12 months and now looks really at home in his role. He was excellent against Luton. Playing alongside Nicolas Dominguez and Ibrahim Sangare is helping to get the best out of him. As a trio they work really well together and continue to make strides with every passing week.
Nicolas Dominguez
The Etihad Stadium isn’t the easiest of places to make a debut. Putting in a standout performance on such an occasion is even tougher, but the summer signing managed just that. And he hasn’t looked back since. His work-rate is immense and he has taken to English football with ease. A case could be made for including Sangare in this list, given the Reds’ first-choice midfield line-up is clear, but while he is showing signs of finding his feet he hasn’t quite had the same impact as some of his teammates.
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