In Nottingham Forest’s quest for revival, the spotlight now turns to the potential impact of ex-Tottenham Hotspur manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who is poised to take the reins following the sacking of Steve Cooper. The club finds itself in a challenging position, languishing in 17th place in the Premier League after a run of six winless matches, with five defeats among them.
Nuno Santo, renowned for his managerial success at Wolves, brings a wealth of experience to the Forest setup. During his tenure at Wolves, he led the team to a Championship title and achieved consecutive seventh-place finishes in the Premier League. His tactical acumen and ability to guide his team to the Europa League quarterfinals in 2020 underscored his impact.
While his most recent stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad ended on a sour note, marked by a string of winless matches, Nuno’s managerial career boasts significant achievements, including three trophies in Saudi Arabia. As he prepares to take charge at Nottingham Forest, the question arises: can Nuno Santo replicate his past success and mold a new gem in the form of Anthony Elanga?
Anthony Elanga, the £25,000-per-week Swedish international acquired by Forest for £15.1 million in the summer, has shown promise under the previous management. Despite the team’s struggles, Elanga has been a bright spot, contributing six goals in just 11 starts this season. Notably, his impactful performances from the bench, including an assist against Arsenal and a match-winning goal against Chelsea, have showcased his potential.
Drawing parallels with Nuno Santo’s past success with players like Diogo Jota, there is optimism that Elanga could be the next success story. Like Jota, Elanga can operate effectively off the left as a winger, linking up with a target man like Taiwo Awoniyi. This mirrors the successful partnership between Jota and Raul Jimenez at Wolves during Nuno’s tenure.
The envisioned system for Forest revolves around a 3-4-2-1/3-4-3 formation, with Elanga positioned on the left alongside Morgan Gibbs-White in the attack. The emphasis on Elanga’s “electric” pace, as praised by Paul Robinson, aligns well with Santo’s tactical approach, characterized by a disciplined defensive setup and a swift counterattacking style.
Elanga’s athleticism and ability to exploit space make him an ideal fit for Santo’s strategic blueprint. The Forest winger’s potential for growth under Nuno’s guidance becomes apparent, especially with dedicated training on finishing and chance creation. While acknowledging the natural goal-scoring prowess of Jota, there is optimism that Elanga, with focused development, could surpass the achievements of the former Wolves star.
As Nottingham Forest looks to navigate its way out of the current slump, the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo brings hope and the possibility of unearthing a new gem in the form of Anthony Elanga, who could thrive under the strategic guidance of the experienced manager. The synergy between Nuno’s tactics and Elanga’s skill set holds the key to revitalizing Forest’s fortunes in the Premier League.
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