Alious**Gary Lineker Admits He Misjudged Chris Wood After Nottingham Forest Star’s Stunning Form**
Gary Lineker has openly confessed that he underestimated Chris Wood’s quality following yet another standout performance from the Nottingham Forest striker.
The New Zealand international was pivotal in Forest’s 2-0 victory over Everton, scoring a superb goal and providing an assist for Morgan Gibbs-White to secure the win at Goodison Park.
Wood’s goal took his tally to 11 for the season, solidifying his importance in Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, who impressively ended 2024 sitting second in the Premier League table.
Reflecting on Wood’s remarkable form, Lineker admitted on *The Rest Is Football* podcast:
*”I have to say, Chris Wood—while I’ve never been overly critical—I definitely misjudged his quality as a player.
He’s far better than I initially thought. I’m happy to own that because he’s been outstanding.
His intelligence on the pitch, his movement, and the way he maximizes his strengths really stand out. His goal and assist were both top-class.”*
Alan Shearer echoed Lineker’s sentiments, adding:
*“Chris Wood is having the season of his life. He’s been phenomenal. Forest have done an excellent job of playing to his strengths, which is crucial for a striker.”*
Forest’s win over Everton marked their fifth consecutive league victory, extending their unbeaten run and giving them a five-point cushion over fifth-placed Newcastle United in the race for Champions League qualification.
Wood’s resurgence has been a key factor in Forest’s unexpected title challenge, proving his critics—including Lineker—wrong in the process.
Alious
