Zyan Blake is one Nottingham Forest player who has been given exposure to life as a first-team footballer at the City Ground this season.
Although the versatile forward hasn’t played for the senior ranks, he has been given time on the bench during the club’s first European campaign for 30 years.
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Blake has been tipped for big things in the past, and Forest do look to have got themselves an extremely talented player ready to climb through the ranks.
The teenager has been making waves so far this season, and perhaps his presence on the pitch for the under-18s needs to cease going forward.
Liverpool U18 v Nottingham Forest U18: U18 Premier League
Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Zyan Blake proves he’s too good for Nottingham Forest under-18s with Sunderland masterclass
On Saturday, the under-18s thrashed Sunderland 4-0 with a first-half masterclass of epic proportions, with Blake leading the way for Forest.
Wearing the number 10 shirt, Blake scored during the comprehensive win, but it was his overall efforts out on the pitch that really caught the eye of the watching spectators at the training ground.
Blake tormented the Sunderland defensive unit with his blistering pace and ability to find pockets of space, with his goal also proving a well-taken finish.
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The 18-year-old has scored three goals and claimed two assists this season, but that doesn’t tell the full story as the coaches at the academy level try and iron out his best position.
Blake must be kept in the B-Team going forward
Clearly the people looking after Blake behind the scenes will know what is best for Blake but it does feel as though his form deserves more chances with the B-Team.
Blake has made some appearances for that team this season in a number of competitions but now the time has come for him to be a permanent fixture at that level.
Having come through the ranks and gained experience of being around the seniors in Europe, it does feel as though he can knock on the door of the first team in future years.
His performance against Sunderland was mesmeric at times, and Blake looks to have the potential to be the next cab off the rank when it comes to youngsters progressing to first-team football.
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