Nottingham Forest continued their pre-season preparations in excellent style with a 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers in Portugal.

In just the Reds’ second pre-season outing, and the first of their warm-weather training camp, new head coach Oliver Glasner’s mark on the squad is already becoming increasingly clear.

More familiarity in his 3-4-2-1 system led to an improved performance, but crucially improved individual performances too, as players learn and adapt to their new roles.

A scramble in the box after Jair Cunha’s charging run, a by-product of Glasner’s system, saw the ball fall for Igor Jesus in the box, and the Brazilian made no mistake as he scored the opener, and his second of pre-season, in the 40th minute.

11 changes followed once again at the break, and a quick start from Forest saw substitutes Arnaud Kalimuendo and Taiwo Awoniyi both add to the scoresheet to round off a comfortable 3-0 win.

The result is a redundant detail in pre-season, with the performance taking priority, and there were plenty of individual performances to be pleased with.

(GK) Matz Sels - 7

Had more involvement than against Notts County, and produced a great fingertip save to keep the game level midway through the half. 

An assured performance, even if he still had admittedly limited involvement.

Jair Cunha - 7

A solid performance defensively, but it was his involvement in Forest’s opening goal which really caught the eye.

His charging run forced Forest through the Blackburn defence before he teed up Gibbs-White’s blocked shot, which fell for Jesus to open the scoring.

Nikola Milenkovic - 5

Had a very nervy moment that he’ll want to forget after being caught with the ball at his feet, but otherwise did little wrong.

Morato - 6

Had minimal involvement but equally did little wrong; hard to mark the Brazilian either up or down for his performance.

Ola Aina - 7

Had a bright game and did nothing wrong, favoured by play often being focused down the right.

Nicolas Dominguez - 7

Passing was exceptional at times, playing some great balls into Jesus. A lot to like about his first start in pre-season.

Ryan Yates - 6

Not quite as involved as Dominguez, but did nothing wrong.

Neco Williams - 6

Did not have too much involvement before going off at half-time with the rest of the starting XI. Made some positive contributions, and did nothing wrong.

James McAtee - 6

Very close to a seven, but fell ever-so-slightly short in my estimations, which is maybe slightly harsh. Had some bright involvement, especially his interplay with Jesus, but not quite as much as you may hope, playing in a more advanced role.

Morgan Gibbs-White - 7

Excellent on the ball, and a key figure in most things positive for Forest. End product was not quite there, but it was a quality performance (again!) regardless.

Igor Jesus - 8

Another lively performance for Jesus, who offered both attacking threat and defensive contributions, dropping back to help out and also make things happen when needed.

A tidy finish to claim his second goal of pre-season, though most of the work had been done for him, but a constant threat which also saw him hit the post early in the first half.

(GK) John Victor (46’ Sels) - 6

Had minimal to do, so naturally hard to rate above an average six. 

Zach Abbott (46’ Cunha) - 6

As will become a theme for the defence, a lack of any significant test makes it difficult to award more than a six, but he did minimal wrong, barring a poor challenge late in the game, which on another day would have seen him booked.

Tyler Bindon (46’ Milenkovic) - 6

Likewise, Bindon was rarely tested but, to his credit, did nothing wrong.

Omar Richards (46’ Morato) - 6

Had some bright spells on the ball. With a bit more involvement, he may have received a seven, but another pleasing performance from Richards nonetheless.

Eric Da Silva Moreira (46’ Aina) - 7

Another really pleasing performance from the academy wingback. Bundles of energy and played the more advanced role demanded by Glasner exceptionally, without letting his defensive duties slip. An excellent assist, a well-timed ball across the box, for Awoniyi’s goal, too.

Chinaza Nwosu (46’ Dominguez) - 6

Was not overly involved, but did not do anything wrong. A fine showing from the youngster.

Grady McDonnell (46’ Yates) - 6

Was not at the forefront of the action as much as he was against Notts County, but another solid performance without much error.

Luca Netz - 6 (46’ Williams)

Play was largely focused down the right in the second half, making it harder for Netz to leave his mark. Did what was asked of him well, though, with no mistakes.

Dilane Bakwa (46’ McAtee) - 7

Bakwa was a real bright spark in a very effective attack. Although he did not get on the scoresheet, it was a very encouraging performance with a lot to like.

Arnaud Kalimuendo (46’ Gibbs-White) - 8

Really well-taken goal to score Forest’s second, after great positioning allowed him to be found unmarked in the box. Also played a role in Awoniyi’s goal and was a regular threat in attack.

Taiwo Awoniyi (46’ Jesus) - 8

A goal and an assist summed up what was an excellent half of football from Awoniyi. Although the hard work was done for him, he showed excellent composure and technique to slot home from Da Silva Moreira’s cross.