Ibrahim Sangare starts: Why Nottingham Forest have no choice but to unleash 96th percentile star - verdict

Opinion piece arguing Glasner should start Sangare in midfield to address Forest's lack of physicality and inconsistency.

Oliver Glasner has struggled to find success at Nottingham Forest, and Ibrahim Sangare's absence from the starting XI may be part of the problem. The 28-year-old Ivorian midfielder has started just one Premier League game this season despite impressive defensive statistics: he ranks in the 95.9th percentile for ground duel wins among midfielders, averaging 6.21 per 90 minutes, plus 3.1 aerial duels and a team-leading 2.48 shots blocked per 90.

Forest have lacked consistency in midfield, with their inability to win physical battles contributing to poor results. The article suggests Sangare's experience and physical attributes could provide the solution Glasner needs. Recent performances from alternatives like Xaver Schlager—who won zero of seven duels in 45 minutes against Brentford—highlight the gap. With Manchester City coming up, reintroducing Sangare could be the change Forest need to add more control to their midfield.