The latest Nottingham Forest verdict as the January transfer window approaches for Nuno Espirito Santo’s Reds.
Matz Sels, Nottingham Forest’s goalkeeper, has received a double award nomination for his outstanding performance this month.
However, if the summer transfer window had gone differently, the Belgian might not have found himself in this situation. It could have been a different guy between the posts for the Reds.
Forest, who had already signed Carlos Miguel from Corinthians, aimed to boost their keeper ranks before the transfer window ended. The most notable offer was for Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher, which included cash and a player.
Nothing happened in terms of the Republic of Ireland international, and Sels retained his position as the Reds’ number one. It’s unclear whether Forest will examine the possibility of another reshuffle between the roles in January, but Sels is doing a fantastic job of pushing them not to.
Changing goalkeepers in the middle of a season always comes with some risk. It worked well for Forest and Sels last term, but there is no reason to go down that path again. Not when the 32-year-old is in such great shape. Try taking his top off now!
When the Premier League named Sels to the Save of the Month shortlist for October, they could have chosen any of his stops. His performance against Crystal Palace, where he tipped Eberechi Eze’s long-range shot onto the crossbar, has earned him the award.
Sels is also nominated for Player of the Month. He has stiff competition from teammate Chris Wood for that one.
Despite all of the speculation about whether Forest would sign another goalkeeper and whether they would do so again in January, Sels has remained focused. Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has stated that having Miguel in the squad has boosted the Belgian international’s performance.
“It was very important for us,” Nuno stated in his pre-match press conference when questioned about Sels’ ability to remain focused in the face of so much conjecture. “Miguel joined us; sadly, he only played one game, but he performed well.
“Having competition for that post benefits Matz, Miguel, and us. However, we are quite pleased with Matz and the manner he has handled the challenges. He has instilled trust in the team, saved us in numerous situations, and awarded us valuable points.
“He is extremely significant. When it comes to individuals and certain roles, goalkeepers are particularly distinct and unique. Matz’s confidence, as well as the way he transmits it to the team by being steady, play an important role. It makes us considerably better, and we are overjoyed.”
Forest doesn’t need to accomplish much in January. Of course, where they are in the table at that moment may influence their thoughts. Similarly, injuries might always have an effect on planning.
Another goalie could be on the buying list in the future. But with Sels in his current form, that does not have to be the case come the winter window.
