Report: Nuno Espirito Santo rates teenage talent highly at Nottingham Forest, he's a valued squad member

Nottingham Forest have a rich history when it comes to producing top talent.

The Garibaldi have previously launched the likes of Shaun Wright-Phillips, Jermaine Jenas, Michael Dawson, Brennan Johnson and Andy Reid into senior football.

Nottingham Forest also boast the proud record of naming an academy product in each matchday squad dating back to October 1941 – over 4,000 games have been played in that time.

A remarkable feat – to say the least. Ryan Yates is currently flying the flag under Nuno Espirito Santo, helping the Reds sit tenth in the Premier League.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
10	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	7	2	4	1	7	6	1	10

Key:Position 1 – 4 : Champions League
Position 5 : UEFA Europa League
Position 18 – 20 : Relegation

Now – however – there is another academy product at the City Ground who Nuno really appreciates.

Nuno Espirito Santo rates Zach Abbott highly at Nottingham Forest

A story from The Athletic now states that Zach Abbott has become a valued member of Nuno’s Nottingham Forest squad.

The 18-year-old is yet to make his Premier League debut for the Garibaldi, but has made two senior appearances, both of which came in the Carabao Cup.

Abbott has certainly had to be patient at the City Ground, having made 34 appearances for the U18 side and then 44 appearances in the U21 ranks before earning senior recognition.

The central defender – who represents England at U18 level – is yet to be named on the bench in the Premier League this season, but if the teenager keeps impressing Nuno in training at Wilford Lane, a spot in the matchday squad is surely not far off.

Zach Abbott will need to be patient as Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic shine

It would be great to see Abbott emulate Yates and become a first-team regular at Nottingham Forest, although the competition in his position is fierce.

The Nottingham Forest No.44 will surely have to wait for a suspension or injury to either Nikola Milenkovic or Murillo – who Arsenal admire – given how well the duo have fared in defence together this season, helping the Reds avoid defeat in all but one Premier League game so far this season.

However, Abbott must also compete against Morato and Willy Boly for playing time, so unless the competition reduces soon, Nottingham Forest should consider finding a loan move for the talented defender.