A group of Nottingham Forest supporters have been reacting to a Twitter post from the club featuring an image of their Portuguese midfielder João Carvalho. EFL clubs were told recently that the Championship season is set to resume from 20th June and those involved are stepping up their preparations for the kick-off having returned to training recently.
Carvalho signed for Forest from Benfica in July 2018 in a deal reportedly worth £13.5m (as per Transfermarkt.co.uk). Since his arrival, he has made 65 appearances for the club, scoring six goals and providing nine assists. This season, he has played 22 times in the Championship, contributing one goal and one assist – but it is worth noting Sabri Lamouchi has only selected him in the starting eleven 24% of the time.
Here is how a sample of the club’s faithful have responded to the post.
Tim to shine my Portuguese Prince ?
— Paul Richardson (@ricoforest30) June 1, 2020
Never leave
— Matt Floyd (@MattFloyd79) June 1, 2020
— ??nffc?? (@Bishbashbosh84) June 1, 2020
When Carvalho has played this season, he has averaged a somewhat underwhelming performance rating of 6.37/10 (via WhoScored.com). However, despite that, judging by the above responses, the attacking-midfielder remains a popular figure amongst those who follow the club.
Have you been disappointed by Carvalho's performances this season?
No
Yes
Hope he comes back firing on all cylinders …
— Jason Allen (@snoopredog) June 1, 2020
?
— Zeph (@CoxJ95) June 1, 2020
start him away to Wednesday
— matt (@mattnffc_) June 1, 2020
wow that’s made me happy
— noggs. (@_kierannnn) June 1, 2020
Lamouchi’s side are currently occupying fifth place in the division and are five points clear of Bristol City, who will be hoping to sneak into the play-off positions. Although a finish in the automatic promotion places seems unlikely, Forest are on course for another crack at the play-offs and a potential return to the Premier League for the first time since their relegation in 1999.