Joe Worrall has shone alongside Michael Dawson at centre-back this season, but the 22-year-old appeared to be missing his regular defensive partner on Sunday.
Worrall underperformed as Nottingham Forest lost 1-0 to Wigan Athletic and was heavily criticised by supporters on social media. He was exposed for Wigan’s winning goal too, pressing Gavin Massey high up the pitch before being left for dead from an overhead pass.
Against the Latics, Worrall played for 90 minutes, made 52 touches, won three aerial duels, completed 73.9% of his 46 passes, made two clearances, blocked one shot and completed one dribble.
Worrall really isn't great is he? Bailed out so many times by Daws this season, and clearly shows when he is partnered with anyone else #nffc
— Martyn Gray (@mgray11) October 20, 2019
Worrall has not been good today. #nffc
— Shaun G (@shaunrg1985) October 20, 2019
Worrall not good enough for me, like him but that mistake for the goal is him all over and was the difference today. Poor game for the team but we take a point if he keeps his head there. Dawson a calming miss along side him #nffc
— Dean Le Blond (@Dean_LB) October 20, 2019
Think Lamouchi got the tactics wrong today. Let's see if he admits it. Plus too many substandard performances from Ribeiro, Worrall, Bostock and Mir #NFFC
— EgorTheRed (@EgorTheRed) October 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/elbosque_nffc/status/1186164907336749056?s=20
The England u21 international has made 14 appearances in all competitions this season, making one assist. Worrall has conceded just 10 goals (0.71-per-game) while helping Forest keep six clean sheets.
As per WhoScored, the centre-back has won 34 aerial duels (74%), averaged 36.4 passes-per-game, made 63 clearances, blocked 20 shots/crosses/passes and averaged a tackle (7) or interception (13) every 54 minutes. He’s still had a good season even if he looked human on Sunday.
Despite the poor showing, Worrall is likely to keep his place at centre-back when Forest welcome Hull City to the City Ground on Wednesday. The Reds are now fourth in the Championship and saw their 10-game unbeaten run come to an end.
