Winger Joe Lolley showed he can be a big player for Nottingham Forest in the season’s run-in, as he looked like his old self against Liverpool.
The 29-year-old made only his third appearance of 2022 in Sunday night’s quarter-final tie, which the Reds lost 1-0. And it was his first inclusion in the starting XI for four months.
He was excellent against Jurgen Klopp’s men, though. And as Forest chase a play-offs spot in their remaining league games, Lolley proved he can still have a part to play.
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“A number of Forest players put in some terrific individual performances. Joe Worrall was outstanding at the back. He limited Liverpool to very little,” said Reds reporter Sarah Clapson, reflecting on the match.
“Tobias Figueiredo, alongside him, was terrific as well. He hasn’t played much, with Sunday only his second appearance of 2022. But he did really well.
“Forest were without key players through injury. But others stepped up. Jack Colback did a job at left-back, in place of Max Lowe. James Garner and Ryan Yates were excellent in midfield. Keinan Davis worked his socks off up front and gave Liverpool plenty of problems. And Brennan Johnson and Djed Spence had their moments.
“The most noteworthy one for me, though, was Joe Lolley. He did superbly.
“It was great to see him look like the Joe Lolley of old. If he can keep playing like that, he’ll be a big, big player in the final league games.
“He was bright and sharp, and he was all over the pitch. He worked so hard, including making sure he tracked back and covered whenever Spence got forward.
“He just didn’t stop. No wonder he looked exhausted when he came off - especially as he hasn’t played much of late.
“He left everything out there. Everyone did. But it was great to see him shine, in particular. He can be a key player in the run-in.”
