Nottingham Forest's start to the season under new manager Oliver Glasner has been sluggish, with the team yet to score or win at the City Ground. While Glasner's structured approach aims to solidify the team, it appears to be presently limiting the creative output of key attacking players.
The club's significant investment in striker Liam Delap, reportedly around £50 million, has raised questions. Delap, described as a competent No. 9, lacks a standout quality that would typically justify such a price tag. His performances have not demonstrated exceptional speed, aerial ability, or technical prowess, especially when compared to teammates like Igor Jesus, who arrived for a much lower fee and achieved greater goal tallies in his initial season.
Attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, considered Forest's most important player and talisman, is also looking for an uplift in form. Despite a strong performance and a penalty goal in a recent draw at Liverpool, he has not consistently replicated the heights achieved last season. Gibbs-White recently attracted attention from Tottenham Hotspur, who had previously pursued him, though he ultimately signed a new deal with Forest.
Manager Glasner also indicated that defender Murillo has not returned to optimal fitness after an injury layoff. Murillo, who has been a consistent starter since joining Forest three years ago, reportedly did not arrive back in the required physical condition after his time in Brazil. With new signing Ousmane Diomande available, Murillo's place in the starting lineup may be under threat if his fitness does not improve.
Glasner, known for his calm demeanor, has voiced expectations regarding player conditioning, signaling that adherence to his demanding tactical plan and fitness standards is crucial for all players. The team's next opportunity to improve their standing will be an away match against Aston Villa.