Nottingham Forest friendlies reveal Schlager’s drive, Gibbs-White’s class and Diomande need | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest lost 1-0 to both Udinese and Barcelona in Italy, yet Oliver Glasner could still count more positives than negatives.

Glasner used different sides in the two 45-minute games, and Xaver Schlager’s relentless first outing against Udinese set the tone. James McAtee, deeper with Ibrahim Sangare in the second match, threaded incisive passes but offered a contrasting, less destructive profile. NY Times notes clear takeaways as Forest tune up for the Premier League opener.

Off the pitch, Forest secured Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP before kick-off in a €40million deal, a move Glasner views as potentially pivotal. At 6ft 3in, the centre-back adds badly needed presence, and Udinese’s winner, Solet outjumping Netz from a Zaniolo corner after Hudson-Odoi did not fully track, underlined the set-piece concern.

Back from Switzerland’s World Cup run in the U.S., Dan Ndoye looked sharp as one of two No 10s with Morgan Gibbs-White behind Igor Jesus. He had two good chances and a strong penalty appeal, hinting he could fit the system.

Gibbs-White was outstanding against Barcelona, rattling the bar and supplying a fine opening for Jesus, who led the line with purpose. Neco Williams attacked with freedom from left wing-back and flashed a dipping volley narrowly wide. If key figures maintain this level when Leeds United visit on Saturday August 22, Forest should be well placed.

Source: NY Times

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