86% passing accuracy v Stoke: The Nottingham Forest star who looks ready-made for the Premier League

Nottingham Forest rescued a late home draw against Stoke City yesterday afternoon, a valuable point that could prove to be the difference at the end of the campaign.

Brice Samba’s late red card looked set to be decisive when he lashed out at Steven Fletcher in the 85th minute, giving Stoke a golden chance to take the lead from the penalty spot, an opportunity that was taken with Lewis Baker slotting the ball past Joe Worrall.

However, Ryan Yates’ header in stoppage time ensured the home crowd at the City Ground didn’t go home empty-handed, though some would see that as two points dropped with Middlesbrough securing a comfortable victory over Derby County.

Expectations have been heightened following the Reds’ 4-1 victory over Leicester City last Sunday, with four players in particular in Philip Zinckernagel, James Garner, Brennan Johnson and Djed Spence standing out for the hosts.

And the latter was reliable once again as he has been consistently throughout the 2021/22 season.

That display against the Foxes wasn’t one just for the TV cameras, he has been one of Forest’s most influential players during the 2021/22 campaign thus far and despite not generating the headlines he did last weekend, he deserves to be mentioned for his contributions both going forward and defensively.

One thing he would ideally want to improve is his aerial duel-winning rate having won just 45.3% in all competitions this term.

He may be at his best when the ball is on of the floor, as shown by his forays down the right-hand side – but getting that percentage up has to be a key area for improvement as a player who may be forced to play as more of a defensive full-back as opposed to a wing-back, depending on where he moves to in the summer if he