Nottingham Forest fans witnessed the debut of John Victor against Swansea City on Wednesday, with his difficult first appearance leading to the Reds being linked with another Brazilian shot-stopper.
John signed from Botafogo in the closing days of the summer transfer window, essentially replacing compatriot Carlos Miguel as the Reds’ backup goalkeeper.
A more experienced head in Angus Gunn was also brought in by Forest, but John started the Carabao Cup defeat against Swansea to assert himself as the second choice.
However, coinciding with the Brazilian’s rather difficult first appearance in the Garibaldi, reports are suggesting that the Reds are rivalling Liverpool for another goalkeeper who is starring in South America.
Cameron Burgess scores a header against Nottingham Forest
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Nottingham Forest rival Liverpool for Brazilian goalkeeper
His position in the squad isn’t under threat just yet, but the Reds’ movement in the transfer market is suggesting that there is a long-term plan for the goalkeeper position that may see John overlooked.
According to ESPN Brazil, Forest are competing with Liverpool for the signature of 16-year-old Brazilian youth international shot-stopper, Gabriel Menegon.
The report said: “Grêmio has another gem in its youth academy that’s on the radar of European clubs. Goalkeeper Gabriel Menegon, just 16, has received inquiries from two Premier League clubs.
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“ESPN has learned that Liverpool and Nottingham Forest like the athlete’s profile and have been seeking information about the young man in recent weeks.
“Menegon is a starter for the Brazilian U-17 national team and stands out for his height: 1.96m. He is considered one of the top prospects in Grêmio’s youth academy and is expected to soon join the senior squad.”
Clearly one for the future, then, but this future may have to come sooner than expected, given how difficult John found his first experience of English football.
John Victor struggled on his Nottingham Forest debut
Brazilian football experts hailed John when he arrived at the club and the signs were somewhat promising in the first half against Swansea, with the Brazilian looking brave in possession.
However, the underlying stats don’t make for pretty viewing in terms of his ability to keep the ball out of his net.
Statistic John Victor vs Swansea City
Accurate passes 23/32
Expected goals on target (xGOT) 0.70
Goals prevented -2.30
The xGOT stat measures the xG of the shots that a goalkeeper faces in a game, so John faced shots against Swansea that were not expected to go in.
Therefore, his goals prevented stat of -2.30 is particularly concerning as it points to saves that the Brazilian really should’ve made.
Of course, Matz Sels remains the number one, so John’s performance wasn’t make-or-break, but Ange Postecoglou will no doubt remain concerned about the Brazilian’s debut.