The future is bright at Nottingham Forest and Zach Abbott might be considered the next cab off the City Ground rank.
The 18-year-old has made first-team appearances this season and has also found himself on the bench in Premier League fixtures.
As a central defender, Abbott has found forcing his way into the team difficult with Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo arguably the best central defensive pairing in the Premier League this season.
With the human doorman Morato playing an exceptional role as first reserve, it has meant fewer opportunities for someone like Abbott waiting in the wings.
Abbott earned rave reviews from Joe Worrall before he left Forest in the summer and now he’s making waves on the intentional stage too.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Scout spots something about Forest star Zach Abbott he’s not seen before
Whilst waiting patiently for a chance in Nuno Espirito Santo’s team, Abbott has been getting minutes playing for the B-Team.
The teenager has made 14 Premier League 2 appearances this season and has even been asked to captain the team on a few occasions.
His form has seen him earn a call-up to the England under-19 ranks and last night he was in action playing as a centre-back against Wales in the European under-19 Championship qualifiers.
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England ran out 2-0 winners and a regional scout at National League outfit Gateshead noticed something about Abbott as he watched on from the stands.
It was claimed on X: “FT 2-0. Eng with two bits of quality to win the game. Abundance of individual quality throughout the team – impressed with Zach Abbott at CB today, it’s the most composed I’ve seen him on the ball.”
Abbott has clearly been learning from Milenkovic and Murillo, with his time spent training with the Forest senior ranks clearly paying dividends.
Abbott will probably head out on loan next season
With Forest looking increasingly likely to be in the Champions League next season, Abbott might find himself on the fringes again.
At 18, that’s perhaps to be expected at a Premier League club and with youth football a bit above his station, perhaps a loan move would be ideal.
If Forest could get the player to the Championship or at a promotion-chasing League One club that would be ideal for Abbott.
The player has an extremely bright future on Trentside but next season it’s imperative that he plays a run of games against men to aid his development.