In the end, it was simply a question of “job done” for Nottingham Forest this season as they maintained their Premier League status.
The Reds did not have a very memorable season. In reality, it was a slog, and many fans were relieved to see the end of it.
The last nine months have been a rollercoaster, to say the least. From management changes to point deductions, refereeing conflicts, and everything in between.
Nonetheless, last Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Burnley mathematically clinched safety, as Nuno Espirito Santo’s team finished with their second consecutive away win. With the curtain coming down on 2023/24, we provide our season ratings for the players who have donned the Garibaldi. Only players who were on Nuno Espirito Santo’s team at the end of the season have been included.
Matt Turner: A true team player with goalkeeping ability, but he needs to work on his footwork. The American’s shot-stopping is good, and he produced some impressive saves, but many will remember his costly mistakes. A change of posts proved to be the correct decision. Rating: 6/10.
Odysseas Vlachodimos failed to live up to his good pedigree when given the opportunity. Forest expected more from a player with the Greek’s stellar CV. Was in goal for the season’s low point, a 5-0 defeat to Fulham.Rating: 5/10.
Matz Sels: Signing the Belgian during the January transfer window proved to be an excellent decision. He made a difference. The Reds appeared more confident at the defense with him behind them, despite conceding some sloppy goals. Rating: 7.5/10.
Moussa Niakhate was in and out of the team for much of the season, but he remained a vital member of the group even when he wasn’t playing. It was difficult to break into the XI when Nuno fielded a four-man defence after his experiment at left-back failed, but the occasional transition to three at the back afforded opportunities for the Senegal international. Rating: 6.5/10.
Willy Boly: The club did an excellent job in securing the centre-back on a new contract early in the off-season. He is such an important figure. Had he been able to appear in more of the games, his survival could have been assured sooner. Rating: 8/10.
Felipe: Didn’t have the same influence this season as he had last year. His assistance to the 2022/23 survival mission will not be forgotten, however. It seems terrible that he couldn’t pull off the Felipe flip for a goal that counted. Rating: 6/10.
Murillo: Without a doubt the season’s breakout star, and a deserving winner of the club’s player of the season award. He is a gem, still raw but full of potential. A future star who will score a spectacular goal one day, hopefully while wearing a Forest shirt. Rating: 8.5/10.
Andrew Omobamidele: One for the future. Had to be patient but gave a very good account of himself once the chance came and was a little unfortunate to eventually lose his place. Clearly has ability, though. Rating: 7.5/10
Neco Williams: A huge shame the Welshman’s campaign ended slightly early due to injury, particularly as he was in a terrific run of form. Arguably Forest’s most improved player this season as he made the right-back spot his own. Rating: 8.5/10
Harry Toffolo: Usually pretty reliable when called upon. Picked himself up after a tough cameo against Chelsea to end the campaign well at Turf Moor. A very popular member of the squad, too. Rating: 7/10
Ola Aina: Has to go down as one of the Reds’ best bits of transfer business since promotion with the fact he arrived as a free agent and a contract extension has now been activated. The full-back speeding past Kyle Walker in both games against Manchester City will live long in the memory. Rating: 8/10
Gonzalo Montiel: A World Cup winner he may be, but the Argentine didn’t quite live up to that billing during his loan spell. Performances were mixed, so it is no surprise the Reds have opted against making his move permanent.Rating: 5/10
Nuno Tavares: Took him a while to get going, then injury stopped him in his tracks just when he was starting to show what he is capable of. Had he stayed fit, the Arsenal loanee might have been able to make a case for Forest keeping him on. Rating: 6/10
Ryan Yates: His first ever Premier League goal has to go down as one of the moments of the season as the midfielder ended the campaign in good form. It was a crucial strike, too – definitely worth the wait. Remains an integral part of the dressing room. Rating: 7/10
Cheikhou Kouyate: Generally had to settle for a substitutes’ role but was a solid option to have in the squad. Nuno made a point of emphasising how the Senegal international was a good character to have around, even when he wasn’t playing regularly. Rating: 6/10
Danilo: Something of a mixed season for the Brazilian. Was in and out of the team for a spell and his form was up and down, but he hit his stride towards the end – just as he did 12 months ago. Rating: 7/10
Ibrahim Sangare: First year in the Premier League didn’t pan out as hoped. Perhaps the transfer fee and the tag of club record signing didn’t help. Showed a few glimpses of what he can do, but unlocking his quality has to be the aim for next term. Rating: 6/10
Nicolas Dominguez: Overall, an encouraging first season on the banks of the Trent. Some really good moments, particularly early on when he adapted seamlessly to English football. Made a few notable errors, but was still unfortunate not to feature more towards the end – although an injury problem may have played a part in that.Rating: 7/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Forest’s go-to guy. That first half against Fulham was a performance for the ages and will be talked about for years to come. If financial rules mean the club may reluctantly have to consider letting him go, he would be an incredibly tough man to replace. Rating: 8.5/10
Gio Reyna: He may well have talent, but the Reds never really got to see it – other than on the odd occasion. Was always going to be tough to force his way into the XI, given Gibbs-White was first-choice for his favoured No.10 spot. Rating: 6/10
Callum Hudson-Odoi: It is nigh-on impossible to discuss the former Chelsea winger without mentioning his fee. Has it ever been mentioned that Forest paid the bargain price of just £3 million for him?! The exciting part is he can get even better. Rating: 8/10
Anthony Elanga: A dip in form towards the end of the campaign shouldn’t overshadow a fine first season in the Garibaldi for the ex-Manchester United man. Has the potential to be a key player in the years to come. Rating: 7.5/10
Divock Origi: Will go down as one of those loans that just didn’t work out. Was handed a fair few chances by Nuno but never really took them and eventually dropped out of the team. A shame, as on paper he had the potential to make a difference. Rating: 5/10
Taiwo Awoniyi: To begin with, the front man picked up where he left off last term. Injury issues then had a significant impact. After returning from groin surgery, he never regained full sharpness and missed another portion of the season at the finish. However, he still finished with six goals. Rating: 6.5/10.
Chris Wood: Imagine where the Reds would have finished if he hadn’t scored goals. Stepped up in Awoniyi’s absence, and despite a couple missed opportunities, he finished with a brace against his former team.Rating: 7.5/10.
Rogério Ribeiro: Is he one of Portugal’s most promising young prospects? We’ll never know–at least not until he shows up somewhere else and takes over. During his loan, he only made five appearances as a substitute. Rating: 6/10.
