Darren Fletcher asks ‘what were they thinking’ over Nottingham Forest transfer
The latest Nottingham Forest news from NottinghamshireLive as Garibaldi Red podcast discusses Forest’s midfield options after the win over Aston Villa
Darren Fletcher says Nottingham Forest’s midfield is the best it has been since promotion as he questions Bologna’s decision to let Nicolas Dominguez go.
The trio of Dominguez, Ibrahim Sangare and Orel Mangala shone in the 2-0 win against Aston Villa with Mangala getting the second goal, his first at the City Ground. Speaking on the Garibaldi Red podcast, Fletcher praised all three and said the return from injury of Danilo only adds to the strong options at Steve Cooper’s disposal.
“I like the balance in there now. I think a midfield is all about balance. You need a bit of everything and the additions give us that. I always thought last year there was something missing in there,” he said.
“Steve (Cooper) last year was always trying to find the right blend, but I think you can put the names of Sangare, Dominguez and Mangala in there more often than not and that’s a real strength when you look at the players who can come off the bench.
“I remember watching Mangala at home to West Ham last season and marvelling at how good he is on the ball. I think there’s more for us to see from him. The better the team gets the more we’ll see from him.
“I spoke to Roberto Martinez about him when he signed because he played for Belgium, and he said he’s a wonderful game manager who is technically very good. You can put him in any situation and he’ll be fine.
“You can be three or four down and he’ll get it and try to play. He fits this midfield very well. It’s as good as it’s been in the Premier League. For 45 minutes Sangare was fantastic. Everything he did in and out of possession was of a really high standard.
“You’re starting to see what he’ll be and by the end of the season people will be saying he’s some player. I’m sure Steve Cooper is delighted to have the Danilo headache too. He should be starting when fit but how do you get him in? Good teams need competition though and you’ve got players under pressure for places.
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Argentina international Dominguez joined Forest on transfer deadline day from Italian side Bologna with Remo Freuler going the other way in a player plus cash deal. Even though Forest gave Bologna around £10m plus the Swiss international, Fletcher feels they got the best of the transfer.
“I don’t understand what Bologna were thinking when they let Dominguez go. I suppose it was a contract thing but the fans loved him,” he said.
“They’ve swapped him for Freuler and I’m sure he’s doing well in Italy as Serie A suits him, but fans loved him. He’s given the Forest midfield so much
