Is Nottingham Forest forward going to be better than Derby attacker?
Nottingham Forest’s Ben Brereton in action with Derby’s Marcus Olsson
Nottingham Forest sensation Ben Brereton’s rapid progress was acknowledged last night by the Football League as he won the Apprentice of the Year award.
Brereton follows the likes of former Leeds talent Lewis Cook in clinching the honour, and is the brightest talent Forest have produced in years, high praise considering the staggering rate of quality young players their academy brings through.
There is plenty of hype surrounding the 17-year-old, and fully deserving after his impressive displays.
He is Forest’s answer to rivals Derby County’s attacker Will Hughes, who has previously scooped awards himself and been linked with moves away to Premier League.
Liverpool’s Emre Can in action with Derby’s Will Hughes
Hughes, 22, signed a new contract at the Rams earlier this year, and is seen as a key cornerstone of their future. While he has not quite reached the levels he had been touted to, it is impressive that Derby still hold onto him.
The prospects of Forest still having Brereton on their books next season let alone by time he reaches 22 is questionable.
| Team | Assists | Goals | Appearances | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Will Hughes | Derby | 3 | 2 | 34 |
| Ben Brereton | Forest | 2 | 3 | 13 |
Brereton’s contribution this season has already seen him match Will Hughes, directly playing a role in five goals each, except the Nottingham Forest teenager has played 21 games fewer.
He is making the sort of regular impact Hughes needs to replicate if he is to earn the big move he has long been connected with.
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