Nuno Espirito Santo has now praised one Nottingham Forest player for his performances in recent weeks.
The Portuguese tactician spoke ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham, where Nottingham Forest will be eager to build on Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Fulham and put more distance between themselves and Luton.
If that is to happen – however – Nuno will need to do something special against Tottenham, the club where he lasted just 17 games before being sacked in the 2021/22 campaign.
Nottingham Forest do – at least – have one of the Premier League’s best performers right now to help achieve a positive result in north London…
Nuno Espirito Santo praises Chris Wood
Well, it was Nottingham Forest No.11 Chris Wood who received praised from Nuno Espirito Santo.
The New Zealand international has truly stepped up since Taiwo Awoniyi suffered a serious injury before the 1-1 draw against Luton in March.
Wood has scored three goals in his last three Premier League appearances, taking him up to 11 goals in just 24 Premier League outings this season – a fantastic return, to say the least.
Speaking about the man from Auckland, Nuno said: “Chris has been very important for us, especially with the absence of Taiwo. He knows the needs that we have in that position and he has been performing very well. Hopefully he keeps like that – healthy and always available.”
Wood’s goals ensured Nottingham Forest left Kenilworth Road with an important point, and also saw the Reds claw another crucial point back when trailing 1-0 to Crystal Palace at the City Ground.
The 32-year-old even recently admitted that Nuno’s appointment has been incredibly beneficial for him on a personal level.
Nottingham Forest must get the bubblewrap out
Nottingham Forest’s chances of survival may well rest on Wood – who turns 33 this year and also recently suffered an injury.
Therefore, Nuno needs to get the bubblewrap out and ensure his in-form striker stays fit, given the fact Awoniyi’s injury sounds quite severe.
Speaking about the Nigeria international’s problem, the 50-year-old told Nottinghamshire Live: “He is doing treatment. It is a serious injury, unfortunately. It’s a big blow because he had just come back from injury. The importance of Taiwo is huge. He gives us another option.”
Hopefully, Awoniyi can get back to competing with Wood soon, as relegation to the Championship could beckon if the £100,000-a-week striker also suffers a knock.
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