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Nottingham Forest have made a strong start to the 2024/25 campaign as a third successive Premier League campaign for the Reds gets underway.

The Reds narrowly avoided relegation last season and in truth, the club can be thankful that Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United were all so bad.

As a result, the Reds managed to stay up but in pre-season, many pundits and so-called experts had Forest down among their relegation candidates.

Jamie Carragher was one of those pundits who thought Forest would struggle – and perhaps he’s already wrong.

Forest drew 1-1 at Chelsea on Sunday in a really entertaining draw and more crucially, the Reds played well once again at home.

Matz Sels was praised for his efforts, whilst Chris Wood is closing in on a Premier League record for Forest after his fourth goal of the campaign.

David Prutton raves about Forest star who ‘really cares’

Ryan Yates is one Forest player who faces a constant battle in the eyes of some supporters to prove himself.

One thing that can never be in question is the sheer heart that Yates shows whenever he pulls on the Garibaldi.

Against Liverpool, he tormented Alexis MacAllister and on Sunday against Chelsea, he did the same to Enzo Fernandez.

David Prutton was seriously impressed with his latest performance and thinks the tenacity and energy he offers rubs off on his teammates.

He said on the Forest Focus podcast: “Chemistry is such an important thing and the balance of the team can be swayed by personalities.

“His energy, enthusiasm and attitude towards what he does rubs off on all the players, you can tell, it rubs off on the fans.

“Just having someone like that on the pitch can lift the energy of the team. Knowing there is someone out there with legs who actually cares, can really influence a team.”

Yates is the perfect captain for Forest right now

Certainly, away from home, there is a role in the Forest team. If Nuno Espirito Santo wants to play on the front foot at the City Ground, perhaps Yates is a better substitute.

However, that’s not a criticism, it’s merely that Espirito Santo is a horses for courses manager and certain games require certain players.

Clearly, when Yates is picked, he’s the obvious choice for captaincy. He’s the longest-serving player at the club and the team does seem to rally when he’s on the pitch.

One thing that Yates has done that people have to appreciate is improve. Under Espirito Santo, he’s really kicked on and now looks like someone who can become a regular in a Premier League team.

Yates came of age at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and now the challenge for the player is to continue churning out performances of this nature on a regular basis.

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