The Danish international has departed The City Ground to sign for Norwegian champions Rosenborg.
Nottingham Forest’s Nicklas Bendtner in action with Norwich City’s Martin Olsson
While the majority of Nottingham Forest fans will be pleased to see the back of Nicklas Bendtner following his move to Rosenborg, the rest will be wondering ‘what if?’
Bendtner started just seven league matches for the Reds, making another eight appearances from the bench, and scored twice in what was a disappointing time for all parties concerned.
Many fans initially saw Bendtner as the perfect foil for Britt Assombalonga as a strike partner, with the Denmark international’s hold up play, vision and passing ability meant to be the link between midfield and attack.
Unfortunately, Bendtner and Assombalonga rarely shared the pitch at the same time, meaning what should have been a very good Championship striker partnership ultimately wasn’t given a fair crack of the whip. In fact, the two player’s never started a league game together
Nottingham Forest substitute Nicklas Bendtner
When Bendtner did feature up front, he was so starved of service that he was found more often than not on the left wing just to get a touch on the ball, while barely any crosses were made to take advantage of his prowess in the air.
Granted, Bendtner often cut a forlorn and disenchanted figure out on the pitch, but had he been utilised correctly, played alongside Assombalonga or Forest playing to the Dane’s strengths, then maybe his story at The City Ground – a period of uncertainty when it comes to managers, owners and performances – could have had a very different ending.
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