The Nottingham Forest winger has come under fire from some supporters for his erratic performances in the Championship.
While the word scapegoat is often overlooked in the modern game, it’s no stretch to suggest Mustapha Carayol has not proven to be particularly popular with Nottingham Forest fans this season.
The 28-year-old winger’s tally of one assist in 14 Championship fixtures hardly reflects well on the recruitment at the City Ground this season, especially when you take into account the fact that a number of the club’s other summer signings have also underperformed thus far.
Therefore, it’s fair to say that most Forest supporters were relieved when respected talentspotter Frank MacParland was appointed as Director of Football last month.
And with the likes of Patijm Kasami, Nicolao Dumitru and Vladimir Stojkovic unlikely to remain at the City Ground beyond the summer, few fans would be disappointed if Carayol was to join them out of the exit door just a year after arriving from Middlesbrough.
However, while Carayol has flattered to deceive under Phillipe Montanier and Gary Brazil, at least his country can count on him to perform. Scoring in a 2-1 friendly victory against the Central African Republic on Monday just a few days after netting in a defeat to Morocco, the enigmatic wideman has rapidly become his countries’ go-to star man.
If only Nottingham Forest could witness such end-product. Carayol has scored more goals since Thursday than he has in the last two Championship seasons combined, netting just one on loan at Leeds in 2015/16.
Yet, his virtuoso form at international level is unlikely to impress Forest supporters if he continues to underwhelm in the Championship.
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