Nottingham Forest have endured a sluggish start to the 2026–27 Premier League campaign, recording one win, two draws, and two losses from their opening five matches. Sitting 13th in the table, the mood around the City Ground has grown restless following a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Coventry before the break.
As manager Oliver Glasner continues to implement his tactical system, the transition hasn’t been seamless for everyone. With domestic football pausing for international duty, the spotlight is now on three specific players who must drastically elevate their performances when Forest return to action away at Crystal Palace.
1. Matz Sels
Entering his thirties, veteran goalkeeper Matz Sels is facing mounting questions about his form and long-term viability as Forest’s undisputed number one. With Stefan Ortega departing over the summer, the lack of immediate, high-level competition behind Sels risks breeding complacency.
Sels has already shown troubling signs of vulnerability early in the season. He was directly at fault for the decisive goal in a 1-0 opening-day loss to Leeds United at home, and appeared sluggish off his line during the recent defeat to Coventry. While Sels remains a technically capable shot-stopper, he must quickly cut out the individual errors and tighten up his game when club football resumes.
2. Ola Aina
Singling out Ola Aina might feel harsh—especially given his stellar, hard-fought performance at center-back during a crucial 2-1 victory over Aston Villa. However, adjusting to Glasner’s new tactical demands has not been straightforward.
While Aina excels internationally as a traditional right-sided full-back for Nigeria, his pathway to that specific role at Forest is blocked. Glasner firmly prefers a wing-back system and secured top target Daniel Munoz to man the flank. As a result, Aina will likely need to maximize his minutes off the bench or adapt seamlessly wherever he is deployed. Widely respected in the dressing room, the versatile defender must make it impossible for the coaching staff to leave him out.
3. Neco Williams
Another player caught in the tactical crossfire of Glasner’s system is Neco Williams. While the Welsh international possesses commendable defensive qualities and handles top-tier wingers with composure, his attacking output is currently stifling Forest’s momentum going forward.
Operating as a right-footed wing-back on the wrong side or struggling to provide consistent service into the box, Williams frequently has to check back onto his dominant foot, killing the team’s transition speed. With intense internal pressure coming from both Aina and Luca Netz fighting for the same slots, Williams must find a way to contribute more effectively in the final third once the international break concludes.
Do you think Oliver Glasner needs to change his tactical system to get the best out of players like Neco Williams and Ola Aina, or should Forest dip into the transfer market in January?
