The Premier League’s relegated sides could provide Nottingham Forest with some intriguing opportunities, with one Ipswich Town star already hinting at a return to the top division.
Of course, Liam Delap will be the top pick from the relegated crop of stars, with Forest interested in Delap alongside the majority of the Premier League.
He’s not the only one, though, with Mateus Fernandes catching Forest’s eye after sparkling in relegated Southampton’s midfield.
There are certainly some bargains to be had for Evangelos Marinakis, with one player in particular able to fill a hole in Nuno Espírito Santo’s side that will require attention.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Leif Davis wants a second Premier League chance amid Nottingham Forest interest
With Neco Williams set to be the only left-back remaining at the club at the end of the season, Forest are interested in Leif Davis to provide competition.
Davis was relegated alongside Delap with Ipswich and was clearly unhappy with how the season went on a personal level, which he expressed when speaking to the East Anglian Daily Times.
He said: “I’d say, from a personal perspective, I’ve been a bit disappointed by performances, knowing my quality. I lost a lot of confidence in games as well. It’s about building that confidence back up, because you’re playing against the best players in the world.
However, the 25-year-old left-back clearly has quality, given that he registered 18 assists in the Championship last season.
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He’d love a second chance at the top flight, saying: “I know my qualities, I know I can play in this league. Hopefully I’ll be back here soon.”
That opportunity could be with Forest, where he’d provide alternative attributes to Williams that could make him the perfect signing.
Leif Davis excels in one of Neco Williams’ weaker areas
After a stellar season, Forest are set to offer Williams a new contract, but he will require competition once Alex Moreno’s loan expires.
This is where Davis could fit in perfectly, offering a creative output that Williams cannot match, while learning from the Welshman’s superior defensive capabilities.
Statistic Leif Davis Neco Williams
Chances created per 90 1.97 0.65
Successful crosses per 90 1.39 0.43
Dribbled past per 90 0.58 1.12
Davis is a creative threat from left back
In games that Forest should dominate, Davis’ 1.97 chances created and accurate crossing could make him an asset over someone like Williams, who could thrive in matches that require more defensive discipline.
Davis is dribbled past less than Williams so his defensive work isn’t all bad, but in a season where Forest will also have European football to contend with, an attacking threat from deep like Davis could come in handy.