There is a certain picture from last season which highlights just a little of Brennan Johnson's star quality - and the Nottingham Forest ace isn't even in it.
Photographers captured the moment as the Reds players gathered in the centre circle of the City Ground pitch reacted to the crucial penalty save. The one which meant they were going to Wembley.
But one man was missing from the resulting shots. Djed Spence, Ryan Yates, Keinan Davis, Steve Cook, Cafu, Joe Lolley, Joe Worrall, Scott McKenna and Jack Colback were all pictured in various stages of relief, euphoria and exhilaration. Some were mid-step, arms outstretched as they set off to pounce on hero goalkeeper Brice Samba. Others were caught stock-still, taking it all in.
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Johnson, who had emphatically thumped home his team’s first spot-kick against Sheffield United, is not in the frame, however. He’s nowhere to be seen. He was off and running by that point. So quick, he was already leaping into the arms of Samba, was the quip which did the rounds on social media.
Premier League defenders may have just as much trouble catching him. They have been warned.
It is doing the Wales international a great disservice just to focus on his speed, though. He offers far, far more than that.
He was a standout talent as he lit up the Championship in his breakthrough season at that level. Now, the aim is to do the same at the next step up.
You'd bank on him doing just that. Forest have a very special player on their books; one who has the potential to get even better.
“It’s a dream come true,” said the young attacker at the club’s celebration event, after promotion had been achieved. Amid chants of “Brennan Johnson, baby”, “he’s one of our own” and “sign him up, sign him up, sign him up”, he responded by making a heart sign to the thousands of supporters who had packed out Market Square.
And he added: “It was the best day of my life. To go up and play in the Premier League for Nottingham Forest is everything I wanted to do. I can’t wait to play next season.”
That last part promoted a huge cheer from the adoring crowd, hopeful that was a sign he would soon put pen to paper on a new contract. Time running out on his deal had seen much transfer interest in January, with Brentford doing their best to try to prise him away.
But it will be in the Garibaldi that Johnson will look to make his mark in the top flight. He will certainly be one to watch when the new term begins in August.
There was already much excitement about the 21-year-old after an excellent campaign on loan at Lincoln City in 2020/21. He had shone for the Imps as his 13 goals in 49 appearances helped them reach the League One play-off final, where they were beaten by Blackpool.
It didn't take him long to impress back at his parent club. Amid the team’s miserable start to the campaign, Johnson's first ever strike for the Reds - coming against Derby County - was a rare bright spot. And not just because it meant a first point on the board, with a 1-1 draw.
Once Cooper came in and the shackles were unleashed, there was no stopping him. In 2022, particularly, he was outstanding.
Showing he can operate in a number of different roles, he finished with 18 goals and 10 assists in the league. There was a run of six in eight games in January and February. And an exquisite brace at Blackpool in April.
Then came finding the net in both legs of the play-off semi-final against the Blades. The campaign was finished off with a starring role for Wales, helping his country reach their first World Cup since 1958 and netting in the Nations League.
Johnson will be a key figure again as Forest look to hold their own in the Premier League. He has already shown he can cause problems for established sides, having scored in the 4-1 FA Cup rout over Leicester City and contributed to excellent team displays against Arsenal and Liverpool in the competition.
Creating and taking chances will be crucial for Cooper’s men. Johnson can help with both. His pace, intelligence and technical ability can give defenders nightmares.
He is also a grounded young man, adept at handling the spotlight and pressure. He demonstrated as much time and time again last season as transfer speculation swirled and the promotion race intensified.
The Reds will be hoping 2022/23 produces many more memorable moments for photographers to capture. This time with Johnson at the heart of them.
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