Alious
Ahead of an anticipated East Midlands derby match between Nottingham Forest and Leicester City set to be broadcast on Sky, both managers have been engaging in pre-match discussions that highlight the mutual respect between the clubs. The match carries particular significance as it pits Forest against their former manager Steve Cooper, now at Leicester.
Cooper has expressed particular concern about facing his former striker Chris Wood, having firsthand experience of the player’s capabilities from their time together at the City Ground. Meanwhile, current Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has shown similar professional courtesy, speaking highly of Cooper’s “amazing” tenure at Forest.
The topic of underrated players emerged during Nuno’s press conference, particularly regarding Chris Wood’s contributions to the team. Wood has established himself as a crucial figure in Forest’s campaign this season, with only one notably difficult match against Fulham, which was attributed to insufficient service to both him and teammate Taiwo Awoniyi. When questioned about whether Wood might be underrated, Nuno emphatically defended his striker’s value, expressing strong admiration for Wood’s contributions both on and off the pitch since his arrival.
The article also highlights another underappreciated player in the Forest squad, Ryan Yates. The midfielder has earned recognition for his industrious style of play, particularly his effectiveness in defensive transitions and linking defense to attack. Former professional David Prutton has praised Yates’s evident passion for the club, while pundit Don Hutchinson has dubbed him “cockroach” – a nickname that, while unusual, aptly describes his persistent, disruptive presence on the field that frustrates opponents.
Alious
