AliousNottingham Forest’s transfer activity on deadline day saw the arrival of Brazilian defender Morato, alongside James Ward-Prowse, just before the window closed. Morato, a left-sided centre-back, was brought in to fill the void left by Moussa Niakhate’s £25 million move to Lyon. While Morato has yet to start a Premier League match for Forest, he’s already making an impact, most recently helping the team secure a 1-1 draw against Chelsea after coming off the bench following James Ward-Prowse’s red card.
The summer transfer window was particularly busy for Forest, with numerous new signings bolstering the squad. Some of these acquisitions, like Marko Stamenic and David Carmo, were immediately loaned out to Olympiacos. The recent match against Chelsea showcased Forest’s competitive spirit, with Chris Wood’s performance earning praise from pundit Ally McCoist.
A notable talking point at the City Ground this season has been the strength of Forest’s bench, with substitutes playing crucial roles in recent matches. This depth has become a subject of much discussion among fans and pundits alike.
Another player making waves is Jota Silva, who, like Morato, is yet to start a Premier League game but is working hard to impress manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Silva’s impact was evident in the Chelsea match, where he nearly scored a late winner, only to be denied by an exceptional save from Robert Sanchez.
Following the game, Silva took to Instagram to share a motivational message, emphasizing the team’s identity and fighting spirit. Morato responded to this post with words of encouragement, calling Silva a “monster” and urging him on, which highlights the growing camaraderie within the squad.
The performances of Morato and Silva are indicative of Forest’s improved squad depth this season. This is particularly significant given Forest’s mixed success with past signings from Benfica. Players like Joao Carvalho, Diogo Goncalves, and Odysseas Vlachodimos failed to make lasting impacts at the club. However, Morato seems poised to break this trend of underwhelming Benfica imports.
Morato’s contributions, especially in seeing out tight games, have been crucial yet perhaps underappreciated. His ability to come off the bench and make an immediate impact in high-pressure situations is a valuable asset for the team.
Silva, too, is making a strong case for more playing time. With a goal in the Carabao Cup against Newcastle and an assist in a Premier League draw with Brighton, he’s shown his potential to influence games. His positive attitude and desire to earn a starting position have not gone unnoticed.
As the season progresses, both Morato and Silva are expected to play increasingly important roles for Nottingham Forest. There’s a growing sentiment among supporters that Silva, in particular, deserves a chance in the starting eleven following the international break, given his impactful substitute appearances and obvious talent.
Alious
