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Nottingham Forest player ratings as trio stand out but others struggle

It has been a phenomenal season so far for Nottingham Forest, and the aim for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will be to finish it in style.

The third-placed Reds are in a good position to secure European football with just nine Premier League games remaining. They are also through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and are just 90 minutes away from a trip to Wembley.

This campaign has already provided so many memorable moments for Forest fans amid some superb individual and collective performances. Below, NottinghamshireLive rates the Reds players out of 10 for the season so far.

Matz Sels:The best-performing goalkeeper in the Premier League this term. Is in pole position to clinch the golden glove, leading the way with 12 clean-sheets to date, and will be in the running for Forest’s player of the season. Rating: 9.5/10

Carlos Miguel: Limited to cup competition appearances after his summer move and has only featured three times for the club. Did OK in games against Newcastle United and Luton Town but then had a difficult evening away to Exeter City in the fifth round of the FA Cup. Rating: 6/10

Neco Williams: Arguably one of the Reds’ most consistent performers of recent weeks. Made great strides last season and has pushed on again this time around to become an integral part of a solid back line. Rating: 8.5/10

Alex Moreno: Started off really well, so much so that it seemed a no-brainer for Forest to take up the option to sign him permanently from Aston Villa. Can’t get into the team at the minute, though, as Williams is keeping him out. Nevertheless, his celebratory fist-pumps after a win remain a tradition. Rating: 6.5/10

Harry Toffolo: Game time has been limited but has done a job whenever called upon - as he always has done during his time Trentside. Remains a big part of the dressing room and a model professional. Rating: 6/10

Ola Aina: Back to his best in the last few games after a slight dip in form. Any drop-off in performance is noticeable because the full-back has set such high standards for himself. Always sets the tone for a lively dressing room, too. Rating: 8.5/10

Eric da Silva Moreira: Difficult to really judge the 18-year-old as he hasn’t played too much and is clearly still finding his feet somewhat. Seems to have potential but remains a raw prospect at the moment. Rating: 6/10

Willy Boly: Remains a solid option to have at Nuno’s disposal for as and when required. Has had to settle for a bit-part role this term but the experience he brings, on and off the pitch, can be important in the final weeks of the campaign. Rating: 6.5/10

Murillo:What a talent. Finally bagged his first goal for the club, back in November, and it seems inevitable he will score a screamer one of these days. All of that while still being an absolute rock at the back. Rating: 9/10

Nikola Milenkovic: Has completely transformed the Reds defensively. Nuno spoke recently about recognising the Serbia international and Murillo as a pairing, rather than individuals. And it’s true, Milenkovic has certainly helped his Brazilian teammate to develop further. Rating: 9.5/10

Morato: Trusted throughout this campaign to come on from off the bench and help see out big games. Has looked good whenever he has done so and is just a bit unfortunate that there is no way into the starting XI at present while Forest stick with a four-man defence. Rating: 8/10

Ryan Yates: Such an important member of the squad and cuts to the very heart of the club. Always sets an example as captain and never gives less than 100 percent when he is on the pitch, whatever the circumstances. Rating: 8/10

Danilo: Hindered by that horrible injury he sustained on the opening day - just when this could have been a big campaign for the Brazilian. Made an impact when he first came back but has found it a little tougher since, which is understandable. Rating: 7/10

Nicolas Dominguez: Can be a bit up and down. But when he is good, he is very good - as was the case against Manchester City the other week. Just needs to continue performing at that level in the upcoming fixtures. Rating: 8/10

Elliot Anderson: Has star quality in abundance and is without doubt a future senior England international. Easy to see why Newcastle didn’t want to let him go as the midfielder is a real talent. Plenty more to come from him, too. Rating: 9/10

Ibrahim Sangare: Lengthy spell on the sidelines stopped him in his tracks after he had started the season as first-choice in midfield. Getting any kind of look-in since his comeback hasn’t been easy but has still shown glimpses of what he is capable of. Rating: 7/10

Callum Hudson-Odoi: Can consider himself unfortunate not to have been called up for the Three Lions this fortnight. Has been in terrific form for much of this season and is such a key player for the Reds. Scorer of two of the biggest goals this term, against Liverpool and City. Rating: 9/10

Anthony Elanga: Gets the crowd on their feet whenever he runs at defenders. Was having a tricky time of it for a spell, but well and truly has his confidence back now. He is absolutely flying - and long may it continue. Rating: 9/10

Jota Silva:Bagging his second Premier League goal for the club last weekend should provide a boost. Adapting to English football isn’t always easy and the Portuguese has his work cut out to earn minutes at the moment. Rating: 7/10

Ramon Sosa: Much like Jota, perhaps needs time to really find his feet. Has had some positive moments, particularly in the FA Cup, but hasn’t made the match squad for the last couple of games. Rating: 7/10

Morgan Gibbs-White: That his original absence from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad prompted widespread shock and surprise - both within and outside of the club - spoke volumes. He is Forest’s talisman and a huge reason why they are where they are. Rating: 9/10

Taiwo Awoniyi: Missing a chunk of pre-season really had an impact on the Nigerian, then his penalty miss against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup didn’t help his confidence. Has looked sharper in recent outings, though, and can still have a part to play. Rating: 7/10

Chris Wood: Has been in the form of his life this term, with this being his most prolific season in the Premier League. Has gone a few matches without scoring for the Reds but even when he is not finding the back of the net, still makes such a big contribution. Rating: 9.5/10

How would you rate the Reds so far this season? Click HERE to have your say

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