The Athletic FC Podcast – Episode: Who is Nottingham Forest’s Best Player?
Release Date: March 11, 2025

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, hosts Ayo Akinwolere and Nick Miller engage in an in-depth discussion with Forest writer Paul Taylor and tactics expert Ahmed Walid to explore Nottingham Forest's remarkable season. The conversation delves into the team's standout performances, key players, tactical strategies, transfer dynamics, and future prospects as Forest vies for Champions League qualification.

Season Overview and Key Victories

The episode kicks off with an analysis of Nottingham Forest's impressive victories this season, notably their wins against Liverpool, Manchester City, and a resounding 7-0 triumph over Brighton. Nick Miller poses a pivotal question:

Nick Miller [02:34]: "So can they hold on and qualify for the Champions League next season? And is their success down to the system or their raft of standout players?"

Paul Taylor highlights the significance of defeating Liverpool on their home turf, emphasizing its rarity and importance:

Paul Taylor [02:34]: "I still think being Liverpool away was the pick of them given that Forest haven't done that for so long."

Ayo Akinwolere adds to this sentiment, underscoring the historic nature of these victories and their contribution to Forest's upward trajectory:

Ayo Akinwolere [04:06]: "It was a historic win. It was something that they've been for a very long time."

These landmark victories illustrate Forest's resilience and consistent performance, bolstering their chances for a top-tier finish.

Standout Players and Their Impact

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the players who have propelled Forest to success. Nick Miller lauds Marillo and Chris Wood for their exceptional contributions:

Nick Miller [05:22]: "Marillo, for me, he's just been an absolute godsend, absolute stunning player."

Paul Taylor shifts focus to Morgan Gibbs White, heralding him as potentially the best player Forest has ever had:

Paul Taylor [07:35]: "Best player not just in this team, but one of the maybe the best player, the most naturally talented player... Morgan Gibbs White is an unbelievable player."

Ayo Akinwolere echoes this admiration, highlighting Gibbs White's ability to drive the team forward with dynamic plays:

Ayo Akinwolere [07:59]: "He's somebody who can drive the team forward. The way he carries the ball 20 or 30 yards in a heartbeat or the way he like the pass he played for Callum Hudson-Addy for the goal."

Additionally, the synergy between Milinkovic and Murillo is praised for strengthening Forest's defense:

Paul Taylor [09:56]: "Milenkovic, amazing center partner for Murillo at the back."

Potential England Callups

The conversation shifts to the international prospects of Forest’s players. Nick Miller questions which team members might earn England call-ups:

Nick Miller [10:22]: "Do you think [Hudson-Odoi and Elliot Anderson] could be called up for the England squad?"

Paul Taylor identifies Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs White as frontrunners for national selection:

Paul Taylor [12:04]: "Elliot Anderson will consider himself pretty unlucky if he doesn't get an England call up at some point in the next few months."

Ayo Akinwolere adds that Anderson's versatility and recent form make him a strong candidate:

Ayo Akimolere [13:25]: "Aina has just been exceptional... All of them could be in the England reckoning."

Tactical Excellence under Nuno

Ahmed Walid joins the discussion to dissect Nuno Espírito Santo's tactical approach. He emphasizes Forest's defensive organization and effective counter-attacking strategies:

Ahmed Walid [18:40]: "Forest have had the lowest possession in the Premier League this season. But... defending is really hard, and doing it masterfully, as Forest have done, is even harder."

Paul Taylor reinforces this by highlighting Forest's disciplined defensive play and ability to execute swift transitions:

Paul Taylor [20:03]: "They take huge pride in the defensive strength that they've got. They give away very few chances at home."

Nick Miller draws parallels between Nuno’s strategies at Forest and his previous stints, noting the adaptability and intelligence in his game plans:

Nick Miller [28:03]: "His adeptness and intelligence of just finding something that he can exploit to Forest advantage... has been one of Forest strengths this season."

Transfer Business and Player Value

The podcast delves into Nottingham Forest's transfer dealings, assessing the value and potential departures of key players. Paul Taylor expresses concern over Morgan Gibbs White possibly leaving, given his immense value:

Paul Taylor [13:58]: "Who I'm afraid will leave is the kind of easy question it is Gibbs White, they will have some kind of plan."

Nick Miller questions which Forest players represent the best value and might attract interest from bigger clubs:

Nick Miller [13:58]: "Who do you think represents the most value?... who do you think has posed the best value?"

Paul Taylor discusses the financial savvy behind Forest's acquisitions, noting the affordable yet high-impact signings like Milinkovic and Hudson-Odoi:

Paul Taylor [15:34]: "In terms of value, I think Elanga and Hudson-Odoi have just been incredible."

Ayo Akinwolere predicts that defenders like Murillo could command hefty transfer fees in the future:

Ayo Akimolere [16:04]: "He could end up being one of the world's most expensive defenders."

Future Challenges and Prospects

Looking ahead, the podcast addresses the remaining challenges Forest might face in securing Champions League qualification. Paul Taylor outlines potential fixture congestion and the team's ability to recover from setbacks:

Paul Taylor [31:30]: "There's quite a few tricky fixtures left... I've kind of gone all in now. There's absolutely no way that Forest aren't going to get qualified for the Champions League."

Ayo Akinwolere acknowledges the uncertainties but remains optimistic about Forest's strategic planning:

Ayo Akimolere [36:18]: "They're going to need to be extraordinarily clever again this summer... they've got to plot a way through it."

Trophy vs. Qualification Debate

In the concluding segment, the hosts debate whether Forest should prioritize FA Cup glory over Champions League qualification. Ayo Akimolere advocates for pursuing the FA Cup, citing its historical significance:

Ayo Akimolere [39:51]: "I go for the FA Cup because... it just be something that fans would always remember."

Nick Miller playfully challenges this by suggesting a desire for both honors:

Nick Miller [41:35]: "You think Forest can do it all?"

Paul Taylor concurs, expressing a wish to secure both the FA Cup and Champions League qualification:

Paul Taylor [41:47]: "I will take them both, please. Thank you."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a unanimous sense of optimism surrounding Nottingham Forest's future. The team's blend of tactical discipline, standout performances, and strategic transfer dealings positions them as serious contenders for both domestic and European accolades. Hosts and guests alike anticipate continued success, emphasizing the club's potential to etch a new chapter in their storied history.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Taylor [02:34]: "Being Liverpool away was the pick of them given that Forest haven't done that for so long."

• Ayo Akimolere [07:59]: "He's somebody who can drive the team forward... he's a joy, he's brilliant, he's great."

• Ahmed Walid [18:40]: "Defending is really hard, and doing it masterfully, as Forest have done, is even harder."

• Ayo Akimolere [39:51]: "I go for the FA Cup because... it just be something that fans would always remember."

This comprehensive discussion provides listeners with a thorough understanding of Nottingham Forest's current form, key players, tactical nuances, and future aspirations, making it an invaluable resource for fans and followers of the club.