Ange-ball could force Chris Wood out of Forest as Igor Jesus stakes his claim | OneFootball

Igor Jesus announced himself to Nottingham Forest fans with a fantastic brace in the 2-2 draw against Real Betis in the Europa League.

Since joining Forest from Botafogo, the Brazilian striker hasn’t started a game in the Premier League.

Fans got a glimpse of what he can do in the shocking 3-2 defeat against Swansea in the EFL Cup third round.

Despite the final result, his brace was a highlight of Forest’s performance.

After following that up with another brace in Europe, Ange Postecoglou now has plenty to think about when picking his squad for this weekend’s home game against Sunderland.

Jesus is building momentum and has effectively made himself undroppable. Unfortunately, that spells bad news for talisman Chris Wood.

Postecoglou’s arrival at Forest could affect Wood’s long-term future at the club, especially with Jesus staking his claim for a starting berth.

Wood was one of the most prolific strikers in the Premier League under Nuno Espirito Santo’s leadership, but he could struggle to fit into Postecoglou’s gung-ho brand of football.

Last season, the New Zealand international scored 20 goals in 36 Premier League games, to help Forest qualify for the Europa League.

Only Mohamed Salah (29), Alexander Isak (23), and Erling Braut Haaland (22) scored more league goals than Wood last season.

His goals also accounted for a third of Forest’s total tally, proving that the old-fashioned number nine still has a place in the modern game. But the demands are different under Postecoglou.

Wood is yet to open his goalscoring account under Postecoglou’s leadership, and his last four performances have left plenty to be desired.

Jesus fits the mould of a striker that would thrive in Postecoglou’s system, and his brace against Betis proved that.

Wood was an unused substitute in Seville, and it looked like a huge message, especially with Arnaud Kalimuendo also hoping to make his mark at Forest.

Postecoglou has admitted that his striking options are giving him a selection headache, but it’s only a matter of time until one of them is unsettled and angling for a move.

If Seville was any indication, Wood could be the one to make way. His experience, aerial presence, and clinical finishing could come in handy in certain games.

However, if Postecoglou decides to stick with Jesus as the starting striker, Wood will likely leave the club in January or next summer in search of regular playing time.