By admin 
After 13 new arrivals and a number of exits, on paper at least, Nottingham Forest have ended the transfer window with a stronger squad than at the start of the summer.
Head coach Steve Cooper made clear reinforcements were required to help the Reds push on in the Premier League. And the business done is a real statement of intent by owner Evangelos Marinakis.
After 13 new arrivals and a number of exits, on paper at least, Nottingham Forest have ended the transfer window with a stronger squad than at the start of the summer.
Head coach Steve Cooper made clear reinforcements were required to help the Reds push on in the Premier League. And the business done is a real statement of intent by owner Evangelos Marinakis.
“It’s given us an opportunity to try to do that now. It’s on us. We’ve got to really think now how we want the team to look.”
With his options bolstered, Cooper certainly faces some selection decisions when the action resumes after the international break. We take a look at the strength in depth in Forest’s squad.
When the Reds name their 25-man Premier League squad, it seems likely two of the goalkeepers on their books won’t make the cut. Youngster George Shelvey may well miss out, and it looks like coming down to a choice between Ethan Horvath and Wayne Hennessey to be the third senior stopper on the list behind Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos.
How the situation between the posts looks going forward is also going to be interesting. Turner has done well since joining from Arsenal, but Vlachodimos will really push him for his place.
Options on the books: Ethan Horvath, Wayne Hennessey, George Shelvey, Matt Turner, Odysseas Vlachodimos.
“We’re strong in that position now, so I don’t think we will ever be short of a good option,” Cooper said of his pool of right-backs. “The more of that you can have around the squad, the better.
“That’s my life, trying to make the right decisions. Let’s see how that goes. But there will never be any complaints from me about having good players to choose from.”
Serge Aurier has the shirt at right wing-back at the moment, and has been a key figure in the dressing room during his time at the City Ground. The competition for that place is fierce, though.
The Reds now have a World Cup winner in their ranks, in Gonzalo Montiel. Fellow summer signing Ola Aina is naturally right-footed, and Cooper also has Neco Williams and Giulian Biancone at the club.
The versatility among that group will be particularly useful. Aina has played on the left since he joined, while Williams and Aurier can also play there. Additionally, Aurier has filled in as the right centre-back in a back three and Biancone is flexible, too.
Having players who are comfortable on either side is a big plus. But up until deadline day, Forest were still short of out-and-out left-backs. Omar Richards joined Olympiacos on loan, hoping a change of scene will help in his recovery from injury, while there remains uncertainty about Harry Toffolo’s availability due to off-field issues.
The arrival of Nuno Tavares on loan from the Gunners filled that particular gap. He might have his work cut out to unseat Aina from the role, though, as the free agent addition has been excellent.
Options on the books: Giulian Biancone, Neco Williams, Harry Toffolo, Serge Aurier, Ola Aina, Gonzalo Montiel, Nuno Tavares.