Ange Postecoglou’s era at Nottingham Forest is all set to begin later today, September 13, 2025, when the Reds take on Arsenal in an away fixture at the Emirates Stadium. Under their former manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest managed a mixed start to their English Premier League 2025/26 campaign with four points in three games (one win, one loss, and one draw), currently sitting in 10th spot. Now, against the Gunners, currently the third-placed team in the league with six points in three games (two wins and one loss), it will be a daunting task for the new manager.
A new attacking identity at Forest
However, there might be a different brand of football that Forest fans could see from the team. Nuno was known for his defensive and solid counter-attacking approach. But under Postecoglou, Forest might play high-energy, progressive attacking football. Last season, Postecoglou was in charge of Tottenham Hotspur.
Postecoglou's mixed Tottenham legacy
Although he delivered European success by winning the Europa League, in the English Premier League, Spurs struggled and finished 17th, with 38 points from 38 games (11 wins, five draws, and 22 losses). Postecoglou’s attacking approach helped Spurs to be clinical enough in front of goal as they scored 64 goals. However, defensively, they broke down on many occasions, and as a result, they ended up conceding 65 goals.
During his stint at Spurs, players like Pedro Porro (defender), Pape Matar Saar (midfielder), Yves Bissouma (midfielder), Brennan Johnson (winger), and Dejan Kulusevski (winger/midfielder) shone brightly and improved their game immensely. Similarly, now under his guidance, there are some Forest players who might thrive most and elevate their game to the next level.
-
Forest players who can shine under Ange Postecoglou
Ola Aina, Oleksandr Zinchenko (Full-Backs)
Just like Pedro Porro at Spurs, both Ola Aina and newly recruited Oleksandr Zinchenko could raise their game under Postecoglou. As a defender, Porro was part of nine clean sheets in 50 games across all competitions.
But not only in defence, he also scored five goals along with nine assists. Hence, considering the speed and athleticism of both Aina and Zinchenko, they could be more involved in the attacking part and come up with some crucial goals and assists.
Douglas Luiz, Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White (Midfielders)
To play consistent attacking football, balls need to be driven forward, and for that, his team needs to win the battles or duels in midfield. Hence, the role that Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma played under him at Spurs, he will expect from players like Douglas Luiz, Elliot Anderson, and Morgan Gibbs-White at Forest. While Bissouma handled the defensive part, Saar was involved in six goals and five assists in 52 games across all competitions.
Both Anderson and Gibbs-White are known for their ability to get involved in attacking play with quality balls into the box, while finding spaces for the wingers and strikers. Douglas Luiz, their newly recruited midfielder, can also become a fan favourite if he delivers as per his ability and potential.
Callum Hudson-Odoi, Dan Ndoye (Wingers)
To score a high number of goals, wingers need to be in form, as only then can they score or assist the forwards or number nine’s. At Spurs, both Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski performed brilliantly. Across all competitions, Johnson scored 12 goals along with 11 assists in 51 appearances, while Kulusevski scored 10 goals along with eight assists in 56 games.
Hence, Forest fans will hope to see both Callum Hudson-Odoi and Dan Ndoye elevate their game and get involved in more goals and assists. Chris Wood, the striker, will benefit more if balls are consistently delivered into the box by them, and then the Kiwi striker might be more suited for Postecoglou's system.
