Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood is ageing superb well and right now he’s aking to a fine bottle of red wine.
The striker scored 14 times last season and with 10 games of 2024/25 remaining, Wood has scored 18 so far during the current campaign.
Alan Shearer has heaped praise on Wood this season. He had to watch as the striker failed to make much of an impact with his beloved Newcastle United.
Forest signed the striker for £15 million with Eddie Howe praising Wood for the profressionalism which he often displayed at St James’ Park.
Now, Forest are reaping the rewards of their transfer gamble with Wood spearheading the Reds to third in the Premier League table.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Kevin Phillips shares how Nuno Espirito Santo has got the best out of Chris Wood
Very few have seeen Wood up close and personal quite like former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips and he’s buzzing for his former teammate.
After Forest beat Manchester City 1-0 at the weekend, it’s fair to say that the Reds have lapped up the plaudits, with Phillips the latest to praise the Reds.
He told the Seaman Says podcast: “I played with Chris Wood and then I coached him at Leicester. You could tell he was a good player but he kind of got criticised a little bit because he wasnt very mobile but you’ve got to play to his strengths.
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“You look at what Forest do now with the two boys Elanga and Hudson-Odoi on the wings, they just get the ball high and get the ball in the box and play to his strengths.
“Chris’ job is to set it and get in the box – it’s like an old-fashioned centre-forward.
“He’s matured well. Nuno has simplified his game and given him simple messages. I think they’ve just given him easy messages – get in the box, he knows he’s going to play and the pressure has been taken off.”
Chris Wood stats 2024/25
It’s been quite remarkable how Wood has kicked on this season given that he’s now 33-years-old.
Thankfully, Forest won’t be waving goodbye to Wood in the summer with the Reds moving to tie him down to a new two-year contract during the January transfer window.
Chris Wood Premier League stats 2024/25 Total
Appearances 28
Goals 18
Aerials Won 75
Shots 51
Who Scored Rating 7.05
The striker has grown under Espirito Santo and clearly he’s set about repaying the faith that the Forest head coach has shown in him.
Wood is a model professional and hopefully he can keep scoring goals to fire Forest into the Champions League next season.