Head coach Steve Cooper has outlined how summer signing Remo Freuler has become “an important player and important character” for Nottingham Forest.
On the back of recent games, there has been plenty of debate about what represents the Reds’ strongest midfield. It is an area of the pitch where Cooper certainly has options, particularly with Ryan Yates having made his comeback at the weekend.
Freuler has been a regular in the side, however. He has played in 21 out of 25 league fixtures, with 19 of those coming as part of the starting XI. He has also captained the team when Joe Worrall and Yates have not featured.
READ MORE: Former Forest star delivers verdict on under-fire striker Chris Wood
READ MORE: Alan Shearer makes Brennan Johnson point amid Forest survival hopes
As with a number of players, it took time for the 30-year-old to find his feet in English football and the Premier League. But he has always had an influence off the pitch.
“He’s an important player for us, Remo, and an important character as well. He’s got a lot of experience and had a lot of success in Italy with Atalanta,” said Cooper.
“He played under a certain coach in a certain way, and they were really successful. We actually played a pre-season game against them with Swansea and I remember we didn’t see the ball for 45 minutes. I knew that to play in that team he was going to be somebody who liked the detail and a way of working.
“First of all, he’s very professional, very committed. You can tell him straight. He can give it back to you as well in the right way, which we like. He will speak openly in meetings and drive others on.
“He’s become an important character for us. He’s worn the armband this year as well. It’s an important role. I don’t think it’s so much just what the manager thinks of you, it’s what the other players do as well.
“I felt like it was a good choice. I know he was a bit surprised when I asked him to do it, but I could also see a little bit of pride coming out of him as well. He wore it well. If he has to do it again, then no problem.
“In his own words, he took a little while to get used to English football. He did it on the job, having to play.
“He’s become an important player. Sometimes you’re having a meeting and you ask his view, and he’ll go, ‘enough talking, let’s go and do the game’. He’s that sort of guy.
“He does his job really, really well, to the best of his ability. And he tries to influence others around him.”
What have you made of Freuler this season? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT:
