The impressive start of Nottingham forest in the league came to a halt before the November international break as Newcastle United secured a 3-1 win at the City Ground. Despite the setback, it has been a season of immense promise for Forest under the guidance of Nuno Espirito Santo. The Portuguese manager has breathed new life into the club, carrying over the positivity of last season and moulding it into a campaign capable of unsettling the Premier League’s elite.

A significant factor in Nottingham Forest’s resurgence is the remarkable pool of young talent at their disposal. Chief in their mist is Morgan Gibbs-White, who continues to grow in stature as one of England’s brightest prospects. He (Gibbs-White) delivered a stand out performance on Thursday once more in the international stage as he Showcase’s and deliver a remarkable standout performance that evening for England.

The 23-year-old joined Forest from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a £42.5 million deal in 2022. The transfer raised eyebrows at the time, with many sceptics questioning whether he was worth such a hefty fee. However, he hushed his critics, growing in tandem with his club as both have established themselves in the top flight. His consistency and quality have been central to Forest’s upward trajectory, earning him a well-deserved England call-up. In September he made his debut against the Republic of Ireland and featured again this week in a brutal win over Greece.

It was Gibbs-White’s precise delivery that set up Curtis Jones for a deft backheel finish against Greece, a goal that sealed victory in Lee Carsley’s penultimate match as England U21 manager. Gibbs-white is regarded as a jewel in forest’s crown withremarkable performances like these.

Yet, even as Forest revel in their current success, it’s hard not to wonder how much more potent they could be with Brennan Johnson still in their ranks. Over a year ago The academy graduate was sold to Tottenham Hotspur for £47.5 million leaving behind memories of his explosive pace and eye for goal.

Johnson’s lone Premier League season with Forest saw him score eight goals and provide three assists in 38 appearances, playing a pivotal role in helping his boyhood club narrowly avoid relegation. Johnson became part of Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs revolution. However, financial realities meant Forest couldn’t refuse Tottenham’s offer.

Then, Johnson’s departure felt like a significant blow, but Forest moved swiftly to mitigate the loss of a very important factor in the team. The signings of Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi for a combined £18.5 million provided fresh attacking options at a fraction of Johnson’s sale price. Forest managed to avoid a downward spiral Even with a point deducted last season, and the club’s decision to replace Steve Cooper with Nuno has proven to be a masterstroke.

Still, Johnson’s absence lingers in the minds of Forest fans. His critics were quick to label him overpriced and unproven when he joined Spurs, but the Welsh winger has proven them wrong. He has been one of the Premier League’s most clinical players for this season, thriving under Postecoglou’s attacking strategies. Talent scout Jacek Kulig described Johnson’s form as “incredible” after scoring in six consecutive games for Spurs and added to his tally for Wales.

Gibbs-White by comparison has found the back of the net just once this season. Yet Forest have no regrets, having reinvested wisely and continued their progression. With 19 points from 11 games, they are well on track to surpass their totals from the previous two seasons (38 and 32 points, respectively).

Johnson’s numbers this season highlight the immense potential Forest let slip away. According to FBref, he ranks in the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for assists and the top 8% for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 minutes. At spurs his ability to create opportunities and break into dangerous areas has been a key feature of his success.

It’s tantalising to imagine what might have been if Johnson and Gibbs-White had played together this season. Johnson’s blistering pace, combined with Gibbs-White’s creativity and vision, could have formed a devastating partnership capable of tormenting Premier League defences. Gibbs-White may be a major talent, but currently Johnson’s form suggests he has the edge, which is clear and won’t be criticised by any forest fan.

Johnson’s value has continued to soar since his move to North London which is interesting. The CIES Football Observatory now estimates his market worth at £69 million, a significant increase from the £47.5 million Spurs paid for him. If forest had waited to sell him they might have fetched an even greater fee, the timing of the deal was hardly a disaster. The club’s reinvestment in the squad and subsequent rise in form under Nuno justify the decision.

In football, or generally in life, it’s impossible to rewrite the past. A strong foundation was built by Forest Forest the future, merging youthful exuberance with tactical nous. Johnson’s success serves as a reminder of what they are capable of producing marking Gibbs-white as a symbol of their strong ambition and progress.

Forest’s fans can take pride in the team’s evolution as the Premier League season unfolds. They may be kept in suspense on what might have been with Johnson still in the fold, but they can also dream of what lies ahead with Gibbs-White and their ever improving squad leading the charge.