Nottingham Forest manager has underlined the importance of Taiwo Awoniyi to his squad, describing the Nigerian striker as a “special” player whether he starts matches or comes off the bench, RushHourSport Report.
Speaking ahead of Forest’s latest Premier League fixture, the coach highlighted Awoniyi’s unique value to the team, especially in high-intensity games against top opposition such as Chelsea, where the forward has previously delivered decisive performances that earned him a reputation as a “nemesis” of the London club.
Awoniyi, who has battled for consistent minutes this season due to competition for attacking roles and occasional fitness setbacks, continues to be regarded internally as a crucial figure in Forest’s forward line. His manager stressed that his influence goes beyond starting XI selection, noting that his physical presence, movement, and direct style of play can change games at any stage.
The Nigerian international has built a reputation in the Premier League for his strength in duels, intelligent positioning inside the box, and ability to unsettle defenders. These qualities have often made him particularly effective against teams that prefer to dominate possession, allowing him to exploit transitional moments.
His standout displays against Chelsea in previous seasons remain fresh in memory, with Awoniyi scoring key goals that helped Nottingham Forest secure valuable results. Those performances contributed to his growing reputation as a player who rises in big moments, especially against elite opposition.
Despite not always being a guaranteed starter, the Forest boss made it clear that Awoniyi’s importance to the squad structure remains unquestioned. He emphasized that modern football requires depth and adaptability, and Awoniyi offers both whether he is leading the line from the start or being introduced to shift the momentum of a game.
For Forest, who continue to navigate a demanding Premier League campaign, having an experienced and physically dominant striker available in different tactical scenarios is seen as a major asset. Awoniyi’s ability to press defenders, hold up play, and attack crosses gives the team a different dimension when games become stretched.
As the season progresses, the expectation is that Awoniyi will continue to play a decisive role, regardless of his starting status. His manager’s comments reinforce the belief that he remains a key weapon in Nottingham Forest’s attacking arsenal one capable of influencing matches “playing or not.”
