It’s a bit of a weird one when you think about it.
Despite the fact he’s played 20 times so far this season in the league, he’s become something of a forgotten man at the City Ground.
With Ben Watson and Tiago Silva holding down the fort for large parts of the season in midfield, Joao Carvalho has found himself very much an outsider for Nottingham Forest this season, restricted to less than 750 minutes of action, a far cry from last season when he was an integral part of the team, chipping in with four goals and eight assists.
Has Joao Carvalho been harshly treated this season?
Yes
No
And with various reports suggesting that he could have left the City Ground in the January transfer window, it’s left a lot of people debating whether or not he has a future with the Reds. So when @DaleSilverMate asked fans if the Portuguese playmaker deserved the opportunity to have another 90 minute run out this season, it led to quite a passionate debate from both sides of the argument.
Let’s give him ago again we need to score more goals
— Mark fanning (@markybaby42) February 24, 2020
Looked sharp when he came on yesterday 👌
— Gary (@RedDogGary) February 23, 2020
Too lightweight for our midfield. A technically very gifted player but he’s too easily knocked off the ball in our league. Silva is much stronger than him- more of a battler if you will.
— Davo M (@davo261088) February 23, 2020
100% yes. He looked up for it yesterday when he came on and won the ball back in some dangerous areas. I don’t buy this “too easily pushed off the ball” stuff as much. Why not give him a run? It’s such a waste.
— Matt Buxton (@TrickyBiccy) February 23, 2020
Yes… If we’ve decided write the season off and play with 10 men every game 🙄
— Richard TUTTHILL (@TutthillRichard) February 23, 2020
He hasnt worked as a 10 or a winger. Last chance for me would be a straight swap for Grabban.
His finishing, dribbling and vision could be better than Grabs.— joss dixon (@jossdicko) February 23, 2020
He has to get the ball first ,
— redbazza195🇬🇧🏴⚽️🔴⚪🔴⚪ (@BarrySp02265973) February 23, 2020
No
— Noel Holohan (@NoelHolohan) February 23, 2020
There’s still plenty of football left to play, so there might be an opportunity for him yet.
