Seven Nottingham Forest players with a point to prove as Vitor Pereira outlines summer aim | OneFootball

Vitor Pereira has underlined the importance of Nottingham Forest’s summer, aiming to have his first-choice XI in mind by 22 August. As pre-season begins later this month, several players have clear points to prove.

According to Nottingham Post, Forest visit neighbours Notts County on 18 July at Meadow Lane, then head to Portugal for a camp featuring three games. With little training time during a hectic spring, this window looks invaluable for tactics, fitness and unity.

James McAtee’s talent has appeared only in flashes and his minutes were limited last season. When chances arrived, he too often failed to seize them, so a sharp pre-season would help his case.

Omari Hutchinson endured a chaotic start, including Europa League omission, sparse minutes and pressure from a £37.5 million fee. At 22, he still has scope to settle and push on.

Speculation has followed Dan Ndoye after an underwhelming first year, with admirers back in Italy. Before the World Cup he planned to assess matters after the tournament, while his deal runs to 2030 and his focus was on Forest.

Dilane Bakwa struggled for form and confidence before a late-season lift under Pereira’s man-management. There seems to be a player there, although whether he justifies a £30m outlay remains open.

Jota Silva returns after Besiktas declined a permanent option, and his longer-term future is unclear. Working under Pereira could help his case, yet he will need a strong pre-season to re-enter the conversation.

Luca Netz arrived mid-season and saw limited minutes, debuting off the bench at Leeds United then waiting a month for another outing. Late injuries opened a door and he looked to make the most of it, though Neco Williams and Ola Aina remain first-choice when fit.

Who starts on the wings for the opening game at Leeds United is unclear. Callum Hudson-Odoi was short of his best before injury curtailed his season, but he is back on the grass and, with luck, ready for the kick-off. At his peak, he can set the standard Forest need.

Source: Nottingham Post