Player ratings from Nottingham Forest's 2-0 pre-season win over Notts County.
Nottingham Forest kicked off life under Oliver Glasner with a 2-0 win over Notts County in a pre-season friendly.
A different XI in each half both provided plenty of pleasing signs, and a goal either side of the break made for an encouraging win.
The focus for now, under a new head coach is on minutes and tactical familiarity, but that does not mean that we have to ignore individual performances.
After just a week back in training, there was always going to be some rustiness, but the overwhelming feedback is positive for the Reds.
Nottingham Forest player ratings
(GK) Matz Sels - 6
Was not called into action barring a missed header that sailed through to him under no real pressure. No real issue with ditribution, but nothing spectacular.
Ola Aina - 6
Play was often directed through the middle or down the left, so Aina was not as involved as some others, but did not put a foot wrong when called upon.
Jair Cunha - 5
Not an inspiring performance, but nobody is expecting him to be the finished product yet. Still just 21 years old and has limited senior experience, he won’t be defined by 45 minutes in pre-season!
Nikola Milenkovic - 6
Looked the most comfortable of the middle three, which should not come as a shock.
Morato - 5
A few too many nervy moments at the back, and will have wanted and expected better of himself, especially against this level of opposition. Rustiness is to be expected so early in pre-season, though.
Neco Williams - 6
Excellent work-rate, often the most advanced player in possession, but did not allow that to compromise his defensive duties.
Ryan Yates - 6
It was difficult to shine in midfield with the ball being progressed so quickly, but Yates played a role in enabling that to happen smoothly. A few mistakes here and there, but nothing costly.
James McAtee - 6
Like the skipper, McAtee endured a few moments he’ll want to forget, but on the hole did not do too much wrong, and was part of a midfield that operated relatively seemlessly to transition play.
Morgan Gibbs-White - 8
Sensational first-time ball over the top to assist Igor Jesus for the first goal, and a focal point whenever Forest were in attack.
Omari Hutchinson - 7
Similar to Aina, play was not on Hutchinson’s side often enough for him to make a significant difference. But he did nothing wrong and had some bright moments when he was involved. Plenty of movement and a lack of involvement at times certainly wasn’t for a lack of trying.
Igor Jesus - 8
A complete performance. Took his goal really well, but also showed excellent work rate by dropping deep to make things happen, and play a more defensive role too when needed.
SUBSTITUTES
(GK) John Victor (46’, Sels) - 6
Wss not called into action, but was very composed with the ball at his feet when he had it, which was admitedly not often.
Eric Da Silva Moreira (46’, Aina) - 7
Looked a real threat in attack and, like Williams in the first half, was often the most advanced player.
Tyler Bindon (46’, Jair) - 6
The back three had very little to do, but Bindon looked very composed on the ball when possession reached him. Made a handful of good challenges too when called upon.
Zach Abbott (46’, Milenkovic) - 7
Superb block early in the second half to cut out a very dangerous cross.
Omar Richards (46’, Morato) - 6
Difficult to impact the game with how much control Forest had, but did nothing significantly wrong. Did have a brief injury scare but was okay to continue.
Luca Netz (46’, Williams) - 6
Play was often focussed down the right in the second half, but Netz showed excellent strength and determination when he was involved.
Nicolas Dominguez (46’, McAtee) - 7
Ran the midfield in the second half, with his ability and leadership really shining through.
Grady McDonnell (46’, Yates) - 7
Having only just joined the club’s academy, McDonnell gave a great early account of himself. With a keen eye for goal, the youngster struck a fine balance between hunger and helping the team.
Dilane Bakwa (46’, Hutchinson) - 7
Great cross to assist the second goal and was a frequent danger down the right.
Arnaud Kalimuendo (46’, Gibbs-White) - 7
Excellent header to score Forest’s second, proved a constant handful for defenders.
Taiwo Awoniyi (46’, Jesus) - 6
Difficult to rate, and a 6 feels somewhat harsh. But for all of his hard work to get into promising positions, it feels wrong to mark him higher given the lack of end product. To his credit, like Jesus, he was effective in dropping deeper.
