Jesse Lingard's decision to sign for Nottingham Forest has been branded 'ridiculous' in the wake of their opening-day defeat to Newcastle United. That is the view of BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks, who named Fabian Schar in his Premier League Team of the Week.
Eddie Howe's side made a perfect start to the season as they comprehensively outplayed the newly-promoted side at St James' Park. Forest failed to register a single shot on target, and goals from Schar and Callum Wilson earned the hosts a deserved two-goal victory.
It was the Swiss international who made the breakthrough ahead of the hour mark with a familiar long-range strike. Schar advanced towards the corner of the box before drilling his effort past Dean Henderson at the near post in a similar fashion to his memorable goal against Burnley in 2019.
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Crooks' hailed Schar as a player who can 'defend and play in equal measure', but it was not the only the defenders' goal which caught the pundit's eye. The 30-year-old left his mark on Lingard with a first-half tackle which told the Forest debutant he would not be given 'one inch'.
Lingard's prospective loan switch to Newcastle in January was blocked by Manchester United, while there were suggestions Howe could revisit the deal following the England international's release. However, despite interest from former club West Ham, the 29-year-old opted to sign for Forest on a one-year deal.
Crooks has questioned the attacking midfielder's motivations for joining Steve Cooper's side for a single season. The pundit went on to suggest he is not sure whether club or Lingard himself 'looks more ridiculous' following the agreement.
Crooks told BBC Sport: "His [Schar's] first-half tackle on Jesse Lingard in the Newcastle box was enough to suggest the Swiss defender was in no mood to give the Nottingham Forest player one inch. Schar's strike for Newcastle's opening goal was struck beautifully.
"This footballer can defend and play in equal measure. Precisely what Lingard is doing at Forest I am not entirely sure, but a one-year deal on a free transfer? What sort of commitment is that? Does Lingard think we are all stupid?
"Take the deal and split if the team goes down - is that the plan? I'm not sure who looks more ridiculous. Lingard for signing or Forest for accepting the terms."
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