AliousNottingham Forest’s summer transfer window was marked by several notable acquisitions, with Serbian defender Nikola Milenkovic standing out as a particularly impressive addition to their squad.
Despite his relatively young age of 26, Milenkovic brings a wealth of experience to the team, having played a crucial role in Fiorentina’s back-to-back European final appearances.
His arrival comes at an opportune time for Forest, who found themselves in need of defensive reinforcements following the departures of Joe Worrall, Felipe, and Moussa Niakhate.
Milenkovic’s impact at Forest has been immediate and significant.
Although he missed the season opener against Bournemouth due to a suspension carried over from an Italian Cup fixture, his subsequent performances have been nothing short of exceptional.
The defender’s quality was further highlighted during the recent international break, where he played a pivotal role in Serbia’s impressive goalless draw against the reigning European champions, Spain.
The acquisition of Milenkovic for a mere £12 million is being hailed as a shrewd piece of business by Forest.
His strong tackling ability and leadership qualities were on full display when he was entrusted with the captain’s armband for Serbia’s match against Spain.
This decision was wholeheartedly endorsed by Serbia’s head coach, Dragan Stojkovic, who expressed his satisfaction with Milenkovic’s performance in the leadership role.
As Serbia prepares for their Nations League encounter with Denmark, Milenkovic is once again expected to lead the team as captain.
The Serbian national team will be looking to build on their encouraging result against Spain and secure their first win in the competition.
Meanwhile, Forest eagerly awaits Milenkovic’s return, hoping he comes back fit and fresh for their upcoming challenges.
Milenkovic’s presence has already had a positive impact on Forest’s defensive setup, with early signs suggesting a promising partnership with fellow defender Murillo.
At 26, Milenkovic is yet to reach his peak, leaving Forest fans excited about the potential for further improvement during his time at the City Ground.
The international break has seen several Forest players representing their respective countries, temporarily halting Premier League action.
As the league resumes, Forest faces a challenging fixture list that will test their unbeaten start to the season.
Upcoming matches against Liverpool, Brighton, Fulham, and Chelsea will provide a clear indication of Forest’s progress and standing in the top flight.
In other international news, Elliot Anderson, Forest’s £35 million summer signing from Newcastle, has made his debut for the England Under-21 team. This appearance suggests a shift in his international allegiance.
Anderson featured in a disappointing 0-0 draw against Northern Ireland, a stark contrast to the 3-0 victory England achieved against the same opposition in November.
Despite not playing the full match, Anderson’s first cap for the Under-21s represents a significant milestone in his career, potentially paving the way for future senior team consideration if he maintains his good form at Forest.
Anderson’s international debut was celebrated by his Forest teammate Morgan Gibbs-White, who congratulated him on social media.
This show of support, along with positive messages from other players including Ola Aina and former Newcastle teammates Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, highlights Anderson’s popularity and the strong relationships he has built in his footballing career.
As Anderson continues to impress in his early days at Nottingham Forest, there is optimism surrounding his potential impact on the team’s fortunes.
The club and its supporters will be hoping that his promising start translates into sustained good form as the season progresses, contributing to Forest’s ambitions in the Premier League.
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