AliousPostecoglou Urged to Turn to Overlooked Midfielder Ryan Yates to Revive Nottingham Forest*
Ange Postecoglou’s reign at Nottingham Forest is already under mounting pressure, with the Australian still hunting for his first victory as manager. After Thursday’s Europa League defeat, frustration among supporters boiled over, with chants suggesting his job could already be on the line despite only taking charge last month.
Since his arrival at The City Ground, Postecoglou has made sweeping changes to his lineups. A packed calendar, with European commitments and Carabao Cup matches, has forced constant rotation, leaving the new boss struggling to settle on a consistent XI. That instability has coincided with poor results, fuelling doubts over his approach.
One player who has found himself frozen out in this reshuffle is Ryan Yates. The midfielder was a near ever-present last season, making 35 Premier League appearances, but has featured for only 28 minutes in the league so far this campaign. In the past four matches, Yates has been given just eight minutes on the pitch, and in three of those games he remained an unused substitute.
Yates’ absence is particularly puzzling given what he offers. The 27-year-old, a product of Forest’s academy, brings energy, grit, and leadership to the midfield — qualities the side seem to be lacking. While he may not be the long-term solution if Forest aim to push higher up the table, his commitment and work rate could provide stability during this rocky period.
Postecoglou doesn’t necessarily need to build his team around Yates, but using him more regularly could give Forest the edge to close out matches and restore confidence. Right now, with results faltering and fans restless, turning back to a proven, passionate performer might be exactly what the club needs to steady the ship.
Alious
