David Prutton claims four Nottingham Forest F.C. stars have dipped at worst possible time
Former midfielder turned pundit David Prutton has warned that several key Nottingham Forest F.C. players have seen their performance levels drop just as the club’s relegation fears intensify.
Forest head into a daunting clash with Manchester City F.C. knowing that defeat — combined with a positive result elsewhere for rivals — could drag them into the Premier League relegation zone. With pressure mounting on head coach Vítor Pereira, Prutton believes some of the squad’s most reliable performers from last season are no longer hitting the same heights.
Four players singled out
Speaking on the Forest Focus podcast, Prutton highlighted goalkeeper Matz Sels, defenders Nikola Milenković and Murillo Santiago Costa dos Santos, and midfielder Elliot Anderson as players whose levels have “just come down a little bit.”
All four were widely praised for their consistency and influence last season, forming the backbone of a side that looked far more secure. However, this campaign has told a different story.
Murillo has battled injury issues, while Milenković and Anderson have logged heavy minutes across domestic and European competition, leading to suggestions that fatigue may be playing a part. Sels, meanwhile, has not always produced the match-saving performances that previously underpinned Forest’s defensive resilience.
No margin for error
Prutton stressed that this is precisely the stage of the season when experienced players must raise standards rather than see them slip.
“That level has just come down a little bit at the toughest part of the season,” he said, adding that this is when players must metaphorically “pull their socks up” to prevent disaster.
Forest are currently enduring a difficult run of form, with Pereira facing the prospect of a fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions. Any hopes of a sustained “new manager bounce” appear to have faded, increasing scrutiny on both the coaching staff and the squad.
Time to stand up
With survival hanging in the balance, Forest’s core players are being urged to rediscover the qualities that made them standouts. The battle at the bottom of the table is often decided by mentality as much as talent, and Prutton’s message was clear: now is not the time for key figures to drift.
Supporters have grown increasingly frustrated at inconsistent performances and missed opportunities to build momentum. In a relegation scrap, grinding out results — even ugly ones — can make all the difference.
As Forest prepare for one of the toughest fixtures of their season, the spotlight will firmly be on Milenković, Murillo, Anderson and Sels. If the Reds are to avoid being dragged deeper into trouble, their most dependable names must once again become their most decisive.