Brice Samba surprisingly started in goal for Nottingham Forest in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Fulham and took the plaudits from many supporters on social media. The 25-year-old was making his Championship debut since his move from SM Caen and may have given Sabri Lamouchi a selection headache.
Samba impressed between the sticks as Forest picked up all three points at Craven Cottage. As per Nottingham Forest on Twitter, he made five saves and boasted an 83% save percentage. WhoScored say the uncapped French international made 51 touches, completed 45% of his 40 passes and made two clearances.
Top class performance
— Trevor Hall (@trickytrev746) August 25, 2019
This man is unreal ????
— Rambling Red (@Red_Rambler) August 25, 2019
Absolutely superb
— Angus Norton (@angusnorton_) August 25, 2019
Class written all over
— Josh (@NFFCFUSSEY) August 25, 2019
Star in the making for us, Brilliant ????????
— Wayne Cooper (@waynecoops1981) August 25, 2019
Arijanet Muric was expected to be first-choice in goal when he joined on a season-long loan from Manchester City, but his poor form resulted in Lamouchi giving Samba a chance to prove his worth. The 25-year-old has taken the opportunity with both hands and may feel he deserves to keep his place after shining at Craven Cottage.
The Reds still have Costel Pantilimon and Jordan Smith waiting in the wings for opportunities, but time will tell if either of them are given a reprieve this season – Samba and Muric are likely to be the ones fighting for the proverbial No.1 jersey.
