Cooper is well aware of how important academy graduates can be at Forest, and another name is currently circulating as a potential future star…
Nottingham Forest have reaped the advantages of developing academy players since their return to the Premier League, with graduates contributing both on and off the field in recent years.
From Matty Cash to Brennan Johnson, Forest’s academy has seen some of its own produce substantial profit back to the club as a result of their worth at the point of flying the next, while others continue to thrive at the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest have reaped the advantages of developing academy players since their return to the Premier League, with graduates contributing both on and off the field in recent years.
From Matty Cash to Brennan Johnson, Forest’s academy has seen some of its own produce substantial profit back to the club as a result of their worth at the point of flying the next, while others continue to thrive at the City Ground.
Who is Kristian Clarke?
Kristian Clarke, a 16-year-old youth midfielder who plays for the Reds’ U18s, has come to the notice of the media this week.
Clarke arrived on Trentside as a 12-year-old from Exeter, and he has since fought his way through the Forest academy to find himself in a position of influence behind the scenes.
The teenager signed his first scholarship with the Tricky Trees this summer, signaling the start of what might be a make-or-break adventure for the talent in terms of his path to the Premier League.
It could be assumed that the teen has grasped the opportunities ahead of him with a tight grip, as he was this week named as the Forest representative in the Guardian’s ‘Next Generation 2023’ list, giving readers a hint on notable prospects to track the progression of.
In the article, journalist Will Unwin declared that the 16-year-old has ‘all the attributes required’ to become a ‘fine central midfielder’, which is the position he is predominantly deployed at for the U18’s.
The Englishman is a versatile player who can play as an offensive midfielder as well as a deeper role, with the Guardian describing him as “mobile, quick over short distances, and comfortable on the ball.”
With 12 appearances in the U18 Premier League last season, including a goal, the future appears bright for the prodigy, who has plenty of motivation to look up to at the City Ground.
What could the future hold for Kristian Clarke?
Young players in Forest’s academy will have witnessed firsthand how far hard work can take you, with Johnson instrumental in his club’s promotion and playing a key role in ensuring the Reds stayed up in their return season.
The forward, who scored 29 goals in 109 outings for the club, departed his familiar surroundings to join Spurs on deadline day this summer for £47.5 million, completing his journey from academy graduate to multi-million-pound acquisition for a prominent team.
