Picking a player of the season for Nottingham Forest isn’t as straightforward as it once might have seemed.
In recent weeks particularly, as the Reds got over the line and secured Premier League survival, a number of players have made notable (and hugely significant) contributions. Danilo has come into his own, Taiwo Awoniyi has been on the goal trail and Ryan Yates has shown why he was sorely missed while on the sidelines, having been one of the most consistent performers earlier in the campaign. Meanwhile, Felipe has been outstanding since coming into the team after his January arrival.
With Steve Cooper having found a strong and relatively settled starting XI for the run-in, you could arguably go through the team and point to the role all have played. You could also argue a case for a joint-award, given the way Brennan Johnson has taken to the top-flight. Forest would not be in the position they are in - heading to Crystal Palace pressure-free - without the academy graduate. If he comes top of NottinghamshireLive’s poll, there could be no complaints.
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But equally, Morgan Gibbs-White richly deserves the honour. He has been an absolute joy to watch.
Eyebrows were raised among some pundits when the Reds splashed out an initial £25 million to secure his services from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer. However, it has proved to be money very well spent. If anything, even with the fee rising as a result of Premier League status being retained and with the potential for further add-ons, it is a bargain.
Gibbs-White has shown no signs of letting the price tag or the spotlight which comes with being the club’s record signing bother him. He has grown in stature and influence as the months have gone on.
He has stood up to be counted when the pressure was on in recent big games. Netting against Liverpool, Brighton and Hove Albion and Southampton, then setting up Awoniyi for the goal which ensured Forest’s safety against Arsenal.
The clip of him busting a gut to stop the Gunners attacking then celebrating with a mighty roar illustrates he also has a different side to his game. He will help out with the dirty work, as well as getting fans off their seats whenever he gets the ball.
“I’m proud of him,” Cooper said afterwards. “Everyone knows he’s talented and that he can have amazing moments, but to see him grow as a guy in his first season playing regularly in the Premier League, to see what he’s becoming…
“You’ve got to be an all rounder. I’ve shown him so many examples of the real top teams and how hard they work. We were talking about (Erling) Haaland’s work-rate against Real Madrid the other night.
“You have to do that, because he has the talent, he has the bravery with the ball and the risk-taking mindset. I’ll never want to take that away from him, but what I can challenge him - and the Danilos, the Brennans - with is the attitude and the work ethic. If you want to succeed at the top, that really comes first, because they’ve got the talent.”
Gibbs-White certainly has that. It would come as no surprise if he picks up more player of the season awards and numerous other honours - including, hopefully, a senior England cap - in the years ahead.
Who is your Forest player of the season? Have your say in the comments below
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