Yesterday, Nottingham Forest exited the relegation zone, and I witnessed one of their standout players outshine Nuno Espirito Santo.
Forest had to stage a comeback to secure a draw against Crystal Palace, conceding an early goal to Jean-Philippe Mateta before Chris Wood equalized in the second half. While many players struggled to make their mark, one individual made a compelling case for regular selection.
Despite some commendable efforts from players like Wood, Gibbs-White, and Neco Williams in the second half, it was Callum Hudson-Odoi who stood out the most. His consistent performances suggest that he deserves a permanent spot in the starting lineup, dismissing any notion of being merely an impact substitute in Espirito Santo’s plans.
Nottingham Forest held their ground to secure a draw, with Callum Hudson-Odoi showcasing his prowess during the match.
The 23-year-old made a return to the starting lineup, with Anthony Elanga relegated to the bench. This marked his first start since the 1-0 loss to Liverpool in early March.
Forest experienced defeats to Brighton and a draw with Luton during Hudson-Odoi’s benching spells. However, against Palace, he demonstrated his eagerness to make an impact right from the start. Hudson-Odoi, who joined Forest for a mere £3 million in the summer of 2023, had previously worked with Steve Cooper, and in this match, he reaffirmed why the club took a chance on him.
According to WhoScored, Hudson-Odoi attempted two dribbles, one of which immediately pressured Joel Ward early in the game. Throughout the match, he executed 49 passes, completing 81.6% of them during his full 90 minutes against the Eagles.
Moreover, Hudson-Odoi delivered seven crosses into the box, a notable contribution considering Forest’s forward, Chris Wood, leading the attack.
Nuno Espirito Santo needs to include Callum Hudson-Odoi in the starting lineup.
This performance showcased Hudson-Odoi’s true potential, drawing praise from Pat Nevin. Signed from Chelsea, he’s proving to be a valuable addition. At the City Ground, Hudson-Odoi’s eagerness to attack was evident, posing a challenge to Palace’s Daniel Munoz.
With four goals and three assists this season, his contribution to Forest’s campaign is notable. Given his confidence-driven style, starting him is imperative for Espirito Santo when he’s available.