Alious**Roy Keane’s Harsh Criticism of Nottingham Forest Star Comes Back to Haunt Him**
Roy Keane’s name holds legendary status at the City Ground, but some of his comments about a key Nottingham Forest player earlier this season didn’t sit well with fans. While the former Manchester United captain is often quick to defend Forest, his sharp critique of goalkeeper Matz Sels sparked controversy—especially considering how the Belgian has performed since.
**Keane’s Loyalty to Forest Runs Deep**
It’s no secret that Keane has a soft spot for Nottingham Forest. After being dismissed as “too small” to play professionally, it was the iconic Brian Clough who gave him a shot, setting him on a path to football greatness. His time in the Garibaldi red remains an essential part of his storied career, and his fondness for the club often shines through in his punditry.
Keane has frequently stood up for Forest players, notably praising Chris Wood despite widespread skepticism from other pundits. While many viewed Wood as an unlikely success under Nuno Espírito Santo, Keane highlighted his consistent performances over the years and defended his traditional target-man role, which has fallen out of fashion in today’s Premier League.
However, not all of Keane’s assessments have been well-received, particularly his stinging remarks about Forest’s current number one.
**Keane’s Outburst Against Matz Sels After Brighton Clash**
Earlier in the season, Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw with Brighton exposed defensive frailties that left fans and pundits frustrated. The match saw Brighton dominate with 14 shots, and if not for their wasteful finishing, Forest could have easily suffered defeat.
Goalkeeper Matz Sels had a largely forgettable performance, making just one save throughout the match. The defining moment came when Danny Welbeck lined up for a free-kick. Sels’ poor positioning and questionable wall setup left the goal exposed, allowing Welbeck to score with ease.
Keane didn’t hold back in his post-match analysis, launching a scathing attack on the Belgian.
**“The goalkeeper should be fined a week’s wages,”** Keane ranted. **“You can’t be beaten on that side. He’s taken a gamble, set the wall, and still got it wrong. From a goalkeeper’s perspective, it’s simply not good enough.”**
**Matz Sels Proves Keane Wrong with Stellar Season**
Fast forward to the present, and Keane’s harsh criticism feels wildly misplaced. Sels has emerged as one of the Premier League’s standout goalkeepers this season. Far from the liability Keane painted him as, Sels has been a crucial figure in Forest’s campaign.
While he may not be the flashiest shot-stopper, Sels’ numbers speak for themselves. He leads the Premier League with **ten clean sheets**, an impressive feat given Forest’s defensive struggles earlier in the season. His **75 saves** boast a **73.5% success rate**, showing his reliability between the posts.
Moreover, Sels has prevented **2.39 expected goals (xG)**—an advanced stat highlighting his ability to make saves that go beyond the average keeper’s capabilities. His distribution has also been pivotal, with **178 accurate long balls** helping launch quick counterattacks, a key feature of Forest’s tactical approach.
Forest’s manager has publicly praised Sels for his composure and leadership, while pundits like **Alan Shearer** have since highlighted his “crucial” role in big wins, such as the victory over Ipswich. Even **Arne Slot** was left in awe of Sels after his standout performance against Liverpool, a display that showcased his shot-stopping prowess and command of the penalty area.
**A Lesson for Keane?**
Given Sels’ remarkable turnaround and consistency, it’s hard to imagine Keane holding the same critical stance today. Football is full of quick judgments, but Sels’ resilience and performances have proven that even the sharpest pundits can get it wrong.
Perhaps Keane will revisit his earlier comments with a different perspective—or maybe, in true Keane fashion, he’ll double down. Either way, Matz Sels has let his football do the talking, and it’s speaking volumes.
Alious
