The Reds attacker’s solid derby performance showed he can deliver in tense, high-stakes matches – which may mean more potential suitors come January.
The first East Midlands derby of the season has resulted in a tame goalless draw that, depending on your perspective, will either be a good result for both sides or a bad one.
Derby County and Nottingham Forest pretty much cancelled each other at Pride Park in a highly contested Championship clash, albeit one with few clear cut chances.
One of the key opportunities of the encounter came courtesy of Joe Lolley, the highly rated Reds attacker believed to be on the radar of several clubs including Watford (Daily Mail).
In the latter stages of the game, the 26-year-old drifted in from the right, exchanged passes with Joao Carvalho and rifled a ferocious effort goalwards, only to rattle the woodwork.
Lolley has been in superb form all season for Forest, scoring seven goals and registering seven assists from his 25 appearances in all competitions (Transfermarkt).
Against Derby, Whoscored gave him the second-highest rating in the Reds team (7.21, just behind Claudio Yacob at 7.31), testament to his skill and consistency even during a high-stakes game at the home of a bitter rival.
The Daily Mail report says Lolley is to command a £5million fee, but given his performances over the past few months – and emerging with credit from a fiery derby – surely most Premier League clubs would see that as a snip?
Forest will need to pull out all the stops to convince the attacker to stay put at the City Ground beyond January, as no doubt there will be much interest from potential suitors now more than ever after delivering in the derby.
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