The 17-year-old showed again at the weekend why he’s one of the hottest prospects in English football.
Nottingham Forest’s Stephen Henderson celebrates his side’s second goal scored by Ben Brereton (not pictured)
While Nottingham Forest’s points gap above the relegation zone doubled to two points following their 1-1 draw away at Preston North End, the main topic of conversation was around wonderkid Ben Brereton.
The 17-year-old didn’t get on the scoresheet at Deepdale, but in one move justified why there’s so much hype about him at present, and why he’s almost certainly set for a career far beyond what Forest can offer him.
A Jordan Smith kick was chested down by Brereton just before the centre circle in his own half, and no-one in the entire ground could have expected what was coming next.
Brereton proceeded to sprint past several Preston defenders, leaving no less than five in his wake – including one who had the audacity to try and stop him on the floor – before finding himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper and with Britt Assombalonga to square it to.
Nottingham Forest’s Ben Brereton in action with Rotherham United’s Richie Smallwood and Rotherham United’s Richard Wood (C)
Unfortunately for Forest fans, Brereton’s composure let him down as he elected to go for goal on his own, but tamely shot at the goalkeeper rather than finding the back of the net – but the message was clear about his potential.
Under new boss Mark Warburton, Brereton could flourish at Forest and become a star well before his 20th birthday – but as is the way with most Championship sides, it feels inevitable that a Premier League outfit will swoop for him.
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