Nottingham Forest have enjoyed an exceptional start to the Premier League campaign, reaching the halfway mark of the season with a promising 37 points on the board. Having faced every team in the league once, expectations for the Reds are rising steadily.
The strong performance has caused pundits to rethink their early-season predictions, with Gary Lineker among those who have backtracked on their initial views.
Forest are now earning the respect of analysts and fans alike, thanks to standout displays from key players such as Elliot Anderson, who has been praised by Alan Shearer for his impressive contributions.
As the season reaches its midpoint, the focus has shifted to reflecting on team and individual achievements—and Forest are firmly in the spotlight.
Ben Foster Lauds Forest’s Nikola Milenkovic
One player who has garnered widespread acclaim is Nikola Milenkovic. Signed from Fiorentina in the summer for £12 million, the Serbian international has made a massive impact at the City Ground.
Milenkovic, who previously led Fiorentina to back-to-back Europa Conference League finals, has proven to be a remarkable addition for Forest, excelling both defensively and offensively.
Former goalkeeper Ben Foster, speaking on the Cycling GK Podcast, included Milenkovic in his Team of the Season so far, ahead of Arsenal’s William Saliba.
He said: “I’m going for Milenkovic. The whole team could be in for selection. It’s so obvious to put Saliba in, he’s the second-best defender in the Premier League, but for a Team of the Season so far, Milenkovic and Murillo have both been outrageous for Forest this season.”
“He heads everything and he’s everything I want from a defender that is playing in front of me. He plays when he needs to play but otherwise, he heads and kicks everything.”
A Key Signing for Forest’s Future
Milenkovic’s impact on Forest’s season cannot be overstated. At just 27 years old, he has arrived at the peak of his career, bringing leadership, skill, and resilience to the squad.
The defender’s commanding performances have cemented his status as one of the best value signings of the summer.
Bigger clubs may be regretting their decision to pass on Milenkovic, as Forest’s recruitment team pulled off a coup by securing the proven international.
With his consistency and influence, it might only be a matter of time before he takes on the captain’s armband at the City Ground.
This signing represents a significant milestone for Forest, showcasing their ambition and ability to attract top-tier talent. Milenkovic is not only a cornerstone of their current success but also a symbol of the club’s bright future.
