It is common knowledge that Nottingham Forest have a history of producing youthful talent through their academy – but who are the individuals to keep an eye on in 2021?
Three Upcoming Nottingham Forest Academy Stars to Keep an Eye on in 2021
Forest Continuing to Produce Young Talents
While the majority of Forest rumours suggest the January transfer window will focus on outgoings from the City Ground, there are plenty of players who could face a call-up to the first team.
Players such as Alex Mighten, Brennan Johnson and Will Swan have been the more recent players to break into the Nottingham Forest first team, but the Reds’ academy is well known for its successful production line.
Joe Worrall and Joe Lolley remain regular first-team figures having come through the youth set-up, while former Reds full-back Matty Cash made a transfer to Aston Villa only last summer.
The U23 side, managed by Andy Reid, continues to perform at the top end of the Professional Development League – but who could be the next young talents to emerge into Chris Hughton’s first team side?
Yassine En-Neyah
Arriving from Irish side Corduff in July 2017, Yassine En-Neyah has made quite the impression within the Nigel Doughty Academy.
The 20-year-old, described as being a “versatile” midfielder due to his ability in the middle or out wide, was a regular starter for the U18s when he first joined Forest.
A series of impressive performances led to a promotion into the U23s for the 2018-19 season.
En-Neyah, who is Irish in nationality but has Moroccan heritage, has trained several occasions with the first team as part of his development.
He did not feature in the inter-squad friendly organised by Hughton in November, but could well become a fringe player.
Dale Taylor
Having signed a professional contract in December it is clear that Nottingham Forest are clearly interested in academy starlet Dale Taylor.
The young forward, 17, is similar to En-Neyah having joined Forest from overseas, signing from Northern Irish side Linfield.
Taylor, captain for the Northern Ireland Under-17s team, has impressed since moving across to the Midlands and features regularly for the U23 team.
Lewis Grabban and Lyle Taylor are the clear favourites to start up-front under Hughton but, with Miguel Guerrero reportedly keen for an exit and Will Swan emerging into the first-team, Taylor may be looking ahead to the future.
Julian Larsson
20-year-old Larsson is another who failed to feature in the inter-squad friendly, but his goalscoring exploits this season have put him in good stead for a future call-up.
The Swedish forward joined the Nottingham Forest academy in January 2020 from AIK on a reported three-year deal.
With the Reds reportedly having to fight off interest from Europe’s elite to sign the young striker, it is yet to be seen what impact Larsson will have on Trentside.
So far this season he has scored two goals, one from open play and one from the penalty spot.
Who do you think will be the next Nottingham Forest academy star to make it into the first team?
Main Photo
