Earlier today, the Guardian released their Next Generation list, which featured a mention for Steve Cooper and Nottingham Forest‘s England-17 wonderkid Zach Abbott.
Nottingham Forest have a gem in Zach Abbott
The Guardian chose the leading prospect from each of the current 20 Premier League sides, with Abbott making the cut for Nottingham Forest.
They write that Cooper is a huge fan of the 16-year-old defender, who has already achieved tremendous things at the City Ground despite his age.
Abbott has – remarkably – already made his senior debut for Nottingham Forest, coming on as a substitute in the 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Grimsby earlier this season.
It came after the England Under-17 international also played a vital role in helping the Nottingham Forest Under-18 side reach the FA Youth Cup final when he was just 15 years of age.
By the sounds of it, Nottingham Forest have an outstanding prospect on their hands in Abbott.
Nottingham Forest mustn’t forget about Zach Abbott
After a bizarre summer transfer window in which 22 new players were signed, you would be forgiven for assuming that Nottingham Forest are becoming a buying club, rather than one who promote from within.
After all, the millions on offer from the Premier League can do that to a football club, as shortsightedness kicks in.
If that does become the case for Nottingham Forest, they must ensure they do not forget about Abbott, or Cooper could well lose his blossoming prospect to a club willing to offer him opportunities in the first-team.
For example, Abbott could become disillusioned about his chances at the City Ground in a few years, if he sees Nottingham Forest sign defenders who shove him further down the pecking order.
Hopefully, Cooper keeps a close eye on the teenager, and helps him fulfil his vast potential.
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