Gary Lineker believes Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has seriously improved one of the club’s star players.
The Reds claimed a big three points on Saturday as they came from behind to beat Sheffield United 3-1.
Two goals from Callum Hudson-Odoi came either side of a first Premier League strike for Ryan Yates.
It puts Forest within touching distance of safety for another season, with the team needing just a point from two final games.
After the game, Lineker lauded one Forest player who he believes has really kicked on this season.
Gary Lineker thinks Nuno has improved one player at Nottingham Forest
It hasn’t all been sweetness and light for Espirito Santo at Forest and there will be some decisions to make at the end of the season.
However, he has also done some good things at Forest and he wasn’t exactly dealt the best hand when he first came in.
Lineker was analysing the game after the 3-1 victory in South Yorkshire and he thinks the head coach has really improved one player.
He said on The Rest is Football podcast: “It’s good to see Callum Hudson-Odoi realising that potential we all thought he had when he was younger at Chelsea and he had that awful injury.
“It was a bad one. It has taken him time and I heard him in an interview saying he’s better off being out of London and just thinking football and living football.
“He was brilliant. Especially since Nuno Espirito Santo came in – real belief in any player makes such a difference.”
Forest have hit the jackpot with Hudson-Odoi
It’s hard to believe that Hudson-Odoi is only 23-years-old given that it feels like he’s been around for ages.
He’s been a bit of a slow burner this season but he’s now scored seven goals for the campaign.
His two strikes against Sheffield United typified what he’s all about, with Hudson-Odoi loving to cut inside and try efforts from distance.
Forest managed to sign Hudson-Odoi for just £3 million and it has to be said that the fee is incredible value for money.
The Reds and their recruitment model has taken a bashing over the last two years – and some of the criticism has been justified.
However, the challenge if Forest do stay in the Premier League this season will be to search for more gems with as much quality as Hudson-Odoi.
The Reds will continue to nurture Hudson-Odoi and there is now a seriously good chance that the player can get back to his very best form with Forest.
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