Speaking to 90Min, Micah Richards has picked Nottingham Forest as his surprise package for this season, discussing the impact Jesse Lingard could have with the newly-promoted side.
Lingard has been Forest’s most high-profile signing of the summer, but, perhaps predictably, there have already been questions about his attitude.
It’s fair to say that Lingard can rub some old-school football fans up the wrong way. The midfielder has a unique personality and he’s a social media phenomenon, much to the disdain of some supporters.
However, aside from his extra-curricular activities, he’s a fantastic footballer, and Richards is desperate for the former Manchester United man to show his talents this season and shut everyone up.
What’s been said?
Richards spoke about Lingard and Forest.
“I’m going to go with Forest. I just want Lingard to shut everyone up. I’m sick to death of the slander for no reason. If someone wants to dance on TikTok, so what? If you actually go to his TikTok he has like 10 videos and that’s it. I want Forest to do well because he’s had so much stick as well,” Richards said.
Point to prove
Despite a remarkable loan spell at West Ham 18 months ago, Jesse Lingard once again finds himself with a point to prove in the Premier League – and that’s when he’s at his most dangerous.
Lingard is a remarkably talented footballer. After all, he’s played for England over 30 times, but because he’s more extroverted than most players, he’s critiqued as someone who doesn’t care about the game.
However, with this Forest team likely to be built around him, the midfielder has the chance to once and for all prove his ability, and as Richards says, he can shut everyone up if he has a good season.
Lingard is certainly a player to watch heading into this new campaign.
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