Last season, Nottingham Forest, who managed to stay in the Premier League, were mostly dependent on Morgan Gibbs-White. With five goals and eight assists in his first season at the City Ground, the former club record signing from Wolves cemented his place in the running for an England call-up.
Gibbs-White has one assist in eight games this season and appears to be a crucial player once more. However, after a flurry of summer additions, broadcaster and Reds supporter Darren Fletcher claims he does not need to be THE main man once more.
For Fletcher, the arrival of Murillo could prove to be pivotal if his performances allow Steve Cooper to play with two central defenders and two defensive midfielders, freeing up the attacking players.
“One player I hope benefits is a wonderfully talented player in Morgan Gibbs-White. I think he puts too much pressure on himself to do great things in games because he’s had to. Last season it was him or Brennan Johnson to win a game. That doesn’t have to be case now,” he told the Garibaldi Red podcast.
“He hasn’t got to put the weight of the world on his shoulders. It’s admirable he wants to be the match winner, but there are others in the group who can do it. I hope him having less responsibility gets more out of him. He’s one of the most talented players in his position in the Premier League.
“James Maddison and Gibbs-White are a good comparison. Last season the Spurs managers played with a back three because they didn’t think the centre-backs were strong enough. Now they have van de Ven and Romero they can play two at the back because they’re quick and can defend.
“That means you can have Bissouma and Sarr infront of them to play Maddison in the hole. You’ve got Richarlison out wide with Brennan (Johnson) or Kulusevski on the other side and Son through the middle.
It has great balance. Sangare can be placed next to Dominguez, and you could maybe use Morgan as a 10 with wingers and Awoniyi through the middle if Murillo and another center back are available and you’re happy with that. The two center defenders are crucial.
“It’s a massive step towards the team the manager wants and the fans will want to see.”
