There was a surprise selection on the Nottingham Forest team sheet on Sunday as Willy Boly made a return to action.
The Ivory Coast defender has been missing in recent weeks after struggling with a niggling injury since the African Cup of Nations.
Boly is a very important player to the Forest cause and clearly, Nuno Espirito Santo will be happy to have back and available to play.
Forest were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City but it was a battling effort by the Reds and on another day points might have been obtained.
Boly returning to action was definitely a positive and he highlighted exactly why he’s so important to the Forest cause.
Willy Boly shows why he’s so important to Nottingham Forest
The 33-year-old is an experienced campaigner but in their current predicament, he looks to be exactly what Forest are in need of.
On Sunday, he was outstanding from the word go and alongside Murillo and Moussa Niakhate he stood out the most.
Who Scored showcased that he was head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch when it came to tackles, with eight coming from Boly.
He also made two interceptions and blocked two efforts, whilst he also completed almost 82% of the passes which he attempted.
Boly played as though he’s not been out of the side and it’s a testament to him that he was able to do that despite his advancing years.
Forest should give defender new contract this summer
Regardless of the division that Forest will play, the club has to consider giving Boly a new contract.
The defender has been largely excellent when he’s played for Forest and if he can stay fit, he remains a valuable asset.
Clearly, the one issue is his injury record but if a deal could be struck, he’d be extremely useful for Forest to keep around for next season.
Boly earns around £46,000-a-week at Forest and in the grand scheme of things that doesn’t make him one of the high earners at the club.
With that in mind, Forest must seriously consider a new deal for Boly beyond the end of the current campaign.
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