Why Nottingham Forest signing Rudy Gestede could be a good move
Expectations from Nottingham Forest are high for this season. Manager Aitor Karanka has brought in a lot of new faces, which makes the squad look very decent, at least on paper. However, reality has been a bit harsh towards the two-time European Cup winners, as they have won just one of their opening 5 league games.
While it’s true they’re yet to lose, it is a cliche that they should have been doing better in some of the games they have played. So, it is not a surprise that the club is looking for one more arrival before the deadline. According to reports in the Nottingham Post, Karanka is interested in out of favour Middlesbrough attacker, Rudy Gestede.
The Benin international hasn’t featured for Boro so far this season, which might tempt him to move elsewhere. A loan move looks like a good option for the 29-year-old, however, the question arises as to whether he is the right man for Nottingham or not?
For one, Gestede is a proven striker at Championship level. He has played for Cardiff, Blackburn and Aston Villa before, while harnessing the experience of playing in the Premier League as well. Boro bought him for a fee around £7m from Villa in January 2017.
He’s not the type of centre-forward who would score 15+ goals per season. In fact, he has hit double digits only twice in his career so far – in 2013/14, when he scored 12 in 21 appearances for Blackburn, and in 2014/15 when he got 20 in 39 appearances for Rovers. However, the 29-year-old hasn’t had the best of times in front of goal recently, scoring just 9 times in the last 50 league games.
It must be noted that Gestede has other useful qualities which can help the team in different ways. He’s extremely strong physically and standing at 6’4”, the Benin international is dangerous in the air. Despite his height, he’s comfortable with the ball at his feet and can operate decently enough with his back facing the goal.
If brought in by Nottingham, Gestede could fit in the current formation under Karanka. Players like Lewis Grabban and Hillal Soudani would benefit from having a player like him around them. After all, they’re the ones expected to net the goals.
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It remains to be seen if a deal can be reached. But judging from what we’ve seen from Karanka’s men so far, Forest may well need another attacking reinforcement before the closure of the transfer window. Gestede could prove a valuable asset for them.
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