EPL

Former Leicester City player believes Awoniyi bullied Virgil van Dijk during Forest’s match against Liverpool

Awoniyi has not scored for Nottingham Forest since his injury comeback

Nottingham Forest legend, Alan Rodgers, hails Taiwo Awoniyi as he recounts the Nigerian’s performance against Liverpool last weekend, Soccernet.ng understands.

In an effort to escape the relegation zone, The Tricky Trees travelled to the Anfield Stadium on Saturday. However, Jurgen Klopps’ team spoiled their fun by winning 3-2 at home.

Rogers praised the Nigerian international for his performance over the weekend despite their defeat and felt that the Nigerian bullied Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool.

This season, the Super Eagles forward has scored five goals for the Reds, and on Saturday, he came dangerously close to scoring another with an overhead kick that struck the Liverpool goalpost.

Following this, the former Leicester City player praised his inclusion in the squad for creating significant difficulties for the hosts.

“They’ve missed him because he’s been out injured. He’s the battering ram in the team with Brennan Johnson and Morgan Gibbs-White usually at the side of him. I haven’t seen anyone bully Virgil van Dijk like that this season.

“The overhead kick was unlucky at the end as well. I thought Forest looked like a different side and I think it was like the shackles came off.” he said while discussing on The Boot Room Podcast.

Awoniyi joined the Reds from Union Berlin in the summer for somewhere around £18 million, and he has shown to be an essential player for Steve Cooper’s squad by bringing strength and offensive flair.

This post was last modified on April 26, 2023 9:42 pm

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

Share
Published by
Ayomide Oguntimehin

Recent Posts

Euro Leagues update: Rasheedat Ajibade shines for Atletico Madrid, Lookman’s insufficient for Atalanta

Super Falcons star Rasheedat Ajibade scored for Atletico Madrid in their 1-1 draw against Levante… Read More

28 minutes ago

Serie A giants Juventus join race for Super Eagles star with two goals for Nigeria

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, the Super Eagles midfielder dazzling in Serie A with Lazio, has become a… Read More

13 hours ago

Samuel Chukwueze: Super Eagles star set to return to training at AC Milan after hamstring injury

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is set to return to training at AC Milan next… Read More

14 hours ago

AFCON 2025: Nigeria’s Osimhen, Gabon’s Aubameyang make bold predictions for MVP award

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen and Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have shared their predictions for the… Read More

15 hours ago

Nottingham Forest head coach denies Awoniyi exit talks, backs Super Eagles striker to hit top form

Nottingham Forest head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, has shunned exit talks concerning Super Eagles striker,… Read More

16 hours ago

Ex-Arsenal star Kelechi Nwakali hits big achievement in England

Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has won the award for Barnsley's Goal of The Month… Read More

16 hours ago