‘Forgotten’ Nottingham Forest midfielder will show his class but one man is undroppable
The Garibaldi Red podcast discusses Danilo and where he will fit into the side after his return to the Nottingham Forest in the coming weeks
Nottingham Forest already have intense competition for places in midfield and that will only be heightened when Danilo returns from injury.
The young Brazilian has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury and will have to sit out the visit of Brentford on Sunday as well. Manager Steve Cooper has confirmed Danilo is back on the training pitch, but is not yet working with the rest of the group.
The 20-year-old finished last season in sensational form with three goals but was less effective at the start of this term.
With this in mind, Danilo’s status was discussed on the latest Garibaldi Red podcast after a listener suggested the former Palmeiras man had been ‘forgotten’. Here’s a look at what panellists Arsher Ali and Michael Temple had to say.
Arsher Ali: “I don’t think he would come straight back in. I want to see a bit more of Dominguez. He was very good against Man City so it will be interesting to see how he does against more comparable teams to us.
“The games Danilo did play this season, he looked a bit like he did at the beginning when he came here. He looked a little unsure of his position. If we see the Danilo of the end of last season then of course he comes straight back in.
“With the arrival of Dominguez, I think that changes the conversation. You can’t say Danilo is a bench guy now but you want that competition. I don’t think he comes straight back in though.”
Michael Temple: “Danilo puts pressure on Yates and Dominguez. He could replace either of them. He’s more dynamic and explosive than Yates.
“If we’re talking about a high press to dispossess Brentford like Everton and Arsenal have in the last week then you want Yates, so there are tactical aspects. There’s also still the possibility we could reprogramme a player like we did with Colback, Cohen and Cash and make Danilo an attacking left back, if you want to go the Harry Redknapp route and get your best XI out by hook or by crook.
“We have so many midfielders you can make a case for, there’s no wrong decision to make. Mangala and Danilo could easily come in and play well enough that they keep their place. Danilo at the back end of last season and what he can become means he starts games at some point in time. I think Ibrahim Sangare is the only midfield player who is inked into this team.”
