Nottingham Forest’s January additions were far from expected or predicted by anyone in the know, which has built up even more excitement for their arrival.
Forest arguably showed that they didn’t need new signings just a few days before the window shut after Anthony Elanga starred against Brighton in a 7-0 win for Espirito Santo’s side.
Deadline day still came with its fair share of expectations and speculation, though, with Forest’s interest in Yoane Wissa or Matheus Cunha looking like it could materialise before the end of the night.
However, it turned out that Forest were never close to signing Cunha or Wissa in January, with the main deadline day purchase being Forest’s loan capture of Joel Ndala who will star predominantly for the Forest Academy.
However, there was one other deal that potentially went under the radar within the football world, one that Forest fans should be very excited about after hearing what an expert in the player has said.
Tyler Bindon’s ‘rare’ abilities at only 20 can see him thrive at Nottingham Forest
When Forest entered talks for Tyler Bindon on deadline day, fans could’ve been forgiven for both not knowing who the Reading man was, and not expecting him to ever pull up any trees at the City Ground.
Those more knowledgeable about Bindon couldn’t disagree more, though, with Reading fans raving about Bindon’s talent as the deal was announced.
Another expert on Bindon is Jason Pine, who has watched Bindon mature as a centre-back for the New Zealand national team as a commentator.
Speaking to the Forest Focus podcast about Bindon, Pine said: “He’s [Bindon] two-footed, very quick and as most centre-backs are he’s strong in the air.
“It’s become almost compulsory that centre-backs are comfortable with the ball at their feet […], you can’t just be a big, strong stopper anymore, you can’t just get rid of the ball you have to play with it and he’s certainly got that.
“Something which is really rare for a young player, he’s really composed as well. He doesn’t seem to panic in situations where there might be a bit of danger in front of goal, he just seems very composed.”
With that description, Nuno Espirito Santo must be itching to get Bindon into his Forest squad to test him out at the top level, something that Pine seems to think will be a comfortable step for the young Kiwi due to his personal drive.
Tyler Bindon’s ‘inquisitive’ nature will serve him well at Nottingham Forest
Continuing on, the New Zealand broadcaster was very complimentary of Bindon’s style of work which will be of keen interest to the Forest coaching staff.
Pine said: “The other thing you read a lot on Tyler Bindon is how inquisitive he is. He’s clearly been one of the best players of his age growing up but he’s always keen to learn more and understand why certain things are being done in a football framework.”
With Murillo signing a new Forest contract and building up an incredible partnership with Nikola Milenkovic, Bindon has two perfect role models within the squad to help him hone his trade.
At six foot five, the Kiwi can learn how to make the most of his sizable frame from Milenkovic who is the same height, whilst leaning on the magnificent composure and talent on the ball that Murillo possesses to make the most of his technical abilities.
Bindon is to remain on loan at Reading for the rest of the season but judging by the praise that Pine offered up, Espirito Santo will be greatly looking forward to working with the young centre-back at Wilford Lane next season.
