MY ACCOUNT
Nottingham Forest new-boy Emmanuel Dennis racked up as many goal contributions as Bruno Fernandes, Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez last season — and at £20million, he could be a bargain.
The Nigeria international scored 10 times and supplied six assists as Watford were relegated from the top flight.
But he has secured an instant Premier League return with Steve Cooper’s side, becoming their 13th signing of a busy summer.
Ahead of today’s visit from Tottenham, we take a look at exactly what kind of player Forest are getting.
The main man
The 2021-22 campaign was one of contrasting fortunes for Watford and Forest.
Following the inspired appointment of Cooper, the Reds won promotion via the Championship play-offs after a dramatic upturn in form.
They passed Watford on their way up, with the Hornets going through three managers and collecting just six league wins.
One of the few bright spots was the form of £3m summer signing Dennis.
As well as recording more goals and assists than any of his Watford team-mates, Dennis led the way for shots (60), shots on target (26), big chances created (seven), take-ons attempted (156) and successful take-ons (68).
New Year’s blues
The big question mark surrounding Dennis’ otherwise impressive season at Vicarage Road was his drop-off in form after the New Year.
Having hit eight before the end of December, he struck just twice in 2022 and supplied a solitary assist.
It would be easy to blame the tug-of-war between Watford and the Nigerian Football Federation that saw Dennis called up but ultimately reject the chance to play at the Africa Cup of Nations.
But Watford retreated into their shell under Roy Hodgson and — unsuccessfully — tried to grind out points.
They went from scoring 1.29 goals per 90 minutes in the first half of the season to mustering a paltry 0.57 from January onwards — the lowest in the league.
King of Europe
As well as leading the way for Watford in a number of attacking metrics, Dennis displayed his penchant for one-on-ones by recording more nutmegs than anyone in Europe’s top five leagues (21).
The former Club Brugge forward’s pace and directness made him a constant threat for the Hornets last term, driving inside from the left.
Versus all other Premier League wingers in 2021-22, Dennis was fourth for take-ons per 90 (5.42) and sixth for successful take-ons (2.36 per 90).
Childhood hero
It should come as little surprise that Dennis’ idol growing up was Barcelona and Brazil great Ronaldinho — himself something of a maverick.
Speaking after signing for Forest, he said: “My idol growing up was Ronaldinho. He’s the reason I’m a footballer today.
“I just love everything about that guy and his talent with a football inspires me a lot. When I play, I just like to entertain people and have fun.
“I really like to nutmeg people. I had the most nutmegs in Europe last season which was crazy.
“I just love to have fun on the pitch, but I also want to score goals and add assists.”
Role change?
The challenge for Dennis — and new boss Cooper — will be forcing his way into the side.
In their three Premier League fixtures so far, Forest have continued to utilise the 3-4-1-2 system which saw them clinch promotion to the Premier League after 23 years.
That means the width is provided by wing-backs Neco Williams and Harry Toffolo, while fellow new-boy Jesse Lingard gets the nod at No10.
Dennis will therefore be competing with Brennan Johnson and countryman Taiwo Awoniyi — yet another new signing — to start up top.
Not that he is a stranger to that role. The 24-year-old played 718 minutes through the middle for the Hornets last term and his pressing from the front was a quality that went underappreciated.
But Dennis is a menace — just the sort Forest will need to avoid the drop.
