The Forest five facing a crucial pre-season
THE start of the Premier League season is now just over three weeks away, and the battle is on to earn a place in Nottingham Forest’s starting line-up.
With Taiwo Awoniyi, Dean Henderson, Giulian Biancone, Moussa Niakhate, Omah Richards and Neco Williams having been added to the squad - and more transfer business still to be done - the competition to make the first XI is fierce.
Pre-season, then, is a chance for players to catch the eye of boss Steve Cooper. The Reds were beaten 3-1 by Coventry City in Spain last week and last night took on Burton Albion in the second of seven friendlies arranged between now and the season opener at Newcastle United on August 6.
While these early fixtures will primarily be about building up fitness, it is also the start of a period in which players will be desperate to impress Cooper. We take a look at some of those who will be particularly keen to stand out.
JOE LOLLEY
Generally had to settle for a substitutes’ role last season as the head coach was fairly consistent in his starting picks. That made it tough to really make an impact, and the winger’s campaign probably didn’t pan out as he’d hoped, from a personal perspective.
Being forced off with an injury on Friday night will not have helped is chances, either. If he can rediscover his form of old, Lolley can still have plenty to offer. He’s experienced the top flight before, with Huddersfield Town, and will want to have a taste of it again. But, as Forest target more attacking resources, he could face a big few weeks.
JONATHAN PANZO
Made his debut in the final game of the regular season, at Hull City, and showed plenty of promise. He’d been doing well for the Under-23s since his January move before that, too.
The Reds have strengthened their defensive ranks, however, making it even more difficult to break into the side. Cooper had worked with Panzo before, so already knew what he could do when he joined. But he’ll no doubt be following him closely in pre-season, to judge whether a loan move might be best.
LOIC MBE SOH
The centre-back is in a similar position to Panzo, with both at an age (21) which is crucial for their development. They will be aware, however, that regular game time is going to be hard to come by at the City Ground.
Mbe Soh has yet to have a run of matches since putting pen to paper from PSG in September 2020. And it might be that’s what he really needs in order to kick on.
Forest will want to make sure they have sufficient cover at the back, though. So the coming weeks will be important when it comes to deciding what happens with both the Frenchman and his defensive teammate.
ALEX MIGHTEN
Injury problems hampered him a little last term. That and - same as Lolley - it was not easy to get into the side.
Cooper really believes in the youngster, though, and rates him highly. Even so, as with others in the squad, it could be heading on loan for a spell is seen as the best option.
Pre-season will be a chance for the coaching staff to weigh up where Mighten figures in their Premier League plans. Impress, and he might just offer food for thought.
NICHOLAS IOANNOU
With Omar Richards and Neco Williams now signed and filling the wing-back roles it would be a surprise if Ioannou was still on the books - at least as a permanent player - come the end of the window. But having been on loan at Como 1907 when Cooper arrived, he will still want to show the manager what he can do.
Nuno Da Costa is in a similar situation, being yet to work with the Welshman after spending last term at Caen.
THE QUINTET OF REDS WHO WILL WANT TO IMPRESS BOSS COOPER THIS SUMMER WITH PREMIER LEAGUE PLACES ON LINE