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Nottingham Forest should change formation vs Crystal Palace, it will reignite Neco Williams
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- Nottingham Forest should change formation vs Crystal Palace, it will reignite Neco Williams
Neco Williams has been anything but his usual attacking self at Nottingham Forest since Oliver Glasner's arrival this summer.
The 25-year-old full-back was crowned as the Reds' Player of the Season for the 2025-26 campaign, racking up six goal contributions in 53 games.
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He was an everpresent at the City Ground, and continues to be in Glasner's reign, but he doesn't look like the same player at all this season.
Williams' general position hasn't changed for Forest. He's still flying up and down the left flank, cutting onto his opposite foot most of the time.
But supporters have noticed a difference. Some are calling for him to be rested, while others have even suggested signing a replacement.
Sadly, it is all to do with Glasner's tactics and preferred formation. In a back-five, the Welshman just looks lost. He'd be fine on the opposite flank.
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Neco Williams' Nottingham Forest struggles to continue
Had Daniel Munoz not been signed during the summer, moving Williams to right-wing-back would have been the perfect solution.
He continues to deputise on the opposite flank, though, and with Glasner unlikely to change, his form is only going to suffer more as the season goes on.
Mick Brown told Football Insiderthat Forest are "concerned" about the 25-year-old, who has only recently put pen to paper on a new contract.
And unless the new manager decides to change things on the pitch, it could be a very difficult campaign for Forest's 25-26 Player of the Season.
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He will be hoping to make a good impression against Crystal Palace on Sunday, 11 October, but Pierre Sage's tactics could make it hard for him.
Nottingham Forest 'concerned' about Neco Williams after latest Nottingham Forest have already got their Neco Williams successor, he's a real gem Oliver Glasner may already be targeting a replacement
There is no doubt that the manager will have noticed Williams' subpar performances, even if he is still creating chances of taking shots.
It has emerged that Forest are already targeting Fenerbahce's Archie Brown ahead of the January transfer window, and that should be a concern.
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Brown is far more adapted to a wing-role, often playing left-midfielder for the Turkish giants, and he's always wanted a return to England.
With two goals and one assist in 10 games already this season, a move for him appears a no-brainer, but it does spark concerns over Forest's current No.3.
