Opinion: Midfielder could sign new deal at Nottingham Forest, has shone under Sabri Lamouchi
Soccer Football - Championship - Burton Albion vs Nottingham Forest - Pirelli Stadium, Burton-on-Trent, Britain - February 17, 2018 Nottingham Forest's Ben Watson in action with Burton's Hope Akpan Action Images/Alan Walter EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Ben Watson has an uncertain future at Nottingham Forest, as he’s out of contract next summer and isn’t close to putting pen to paper on an extension. The 34-year-old has been outstanding under Sabri Lamouchi, but do the Reds want to keep him for another season?
Watson joined on a free transfer from Watford in February 2018 and has gone on to make 50 appearances in all competitions. The Englishman looked finished after making just three league appearances in the last three months of 2018/19, but he’s turned things around this season.
Only Joe Worrall has amassed more minutes on the pitch (1350) than Watson (1310), and Lamouchi is getting the best from him too.
As per WhoScored, the midfielder has scored and created three goals this season, made 12 chances, boasts an 89% dribble success rate, blocked 26 shots/crosses/passes, 27 clearances and has averaged a tackle (38) or interception (26) every 20 minutes.
Does Ben Watson deserve a new deal at Nottingham Forest?
Watson has played in every Championship game for Forest and has been a standout performer but age may be an issue. He’ll be 35 next season, so Forest might wait until the summer before making a decision on his contract. Watson deserves an extension, but it remains to be seen if he’ll get it.