In a significant move in the winter transfer window, Nottingham Forest has successfully secured the services of Aston Villa’s defender Alex Moreno on a loan deal until the end of the season, with an option to make the move permanent. The Spanish left-back, who joined Aston Villa from Real Betis last January for €13.5 million, has opted for this transfer in search of more regular first-team football.
A Proven Winner
Alex Moreno arrives at Nottingham Forest with an impressive resume. During his tenure at Real Betis, he was a crucial part of the squad that lifted the Copa del Rey in the 2021/2022 season. He also helped Real Betis secure promotion to La Liga by winning the Segunda División in the 2017/2018 season. Additionally, Moreno was part of the Aston Villa team that secured second place in the Premier League Summer Series in 2023.
- Real Betis to Aston Villa: €13.5M (2023-01-11)
- Rayo Vallecano to Real Betis: €7.5M (2019-08-21)
- Elche to Rayo Vallecano: Free Transfer (2016-07-01)
- Rayo Vallecano to Elche: Loan (2015-08-13)
- Mallorca to Rayo Vallecano: Free Transfer (2014-07-15)
- Llagostera to Mallorca: Free Transfer (2013-07-01)
Performance Analysis
Moreno’s tenure at Aston Villa has been marked by a series of strong performances in various competitions. In the 2023 Premier League season, Moreno made 21 appearances, including 11 starts, accumulating 1,028 minutes. During this time, he scored 2 goals from 7 shots, 4 of which were on target. Defensively, Moreno made 18 tackles, 2 blocks, and 13 interceptions.
2023 Seasonal Performances
- Premier League: 21 appearances, 2 goals, 18 tackles, 53 out of 102 duels won
- FA Cup: 3 appearances, 270 minutes, Rating: 7.03
- UEFA Europa Conference League: 5 appearances, 259 minutes, 1 goal, Rating: 6.80
Challenges Along the Way
Moreno’s journey has not been without adversity. The defender faced multiple injury setbacks during the 2023 season, including a thigh injury that sidelined him for several matches. This season too, he has been listed as missing due to injury concerns, which might have influenced his decision to seek more consistent playing time at Nottingham Forest.
Nottingham Forest’s Recent Form
Nottingham Forest is showing a competitive edge this season. Their recent performances include a remarkable 4-3 victory against Olympiakos Piraeus and a respectable draw against Bournemouth. The team is poised for further success as they eye upcoming fixtures against Southampton, Newcastle, and Premier League giants Liverpool.
Club Dynamics
This acquisition adds to an exciting roster at Forest, which already boasts talents such as Morgan Gibbs-White, who’s been instrumental this season with 5 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League, and Ryan Yates, known for his tenacity and work rate in midfield.
Nottingham Forest’s Squad Roster:
- Goalkeepers: M. Turner, M. Sels, Carlos Miguel
- Defenders: J. Worrall, N. Williams, A. Omobamidele, etc.
- Midfielders: I. Sangaré, E. Anderson, M. Gibbs-White, etc.
- Attackers: T. Awoniyi, C. Wood, C. Hudson-Odoi, etc.
The addition of Alex Moreno provides Nottingham Forest with additional depth and experience in their defensive lines, potentially bolstering their performance in the ongoing Premier League season.
This move signifies Nottingham Forest’s intent to strengthen their squad as they seek to climb the Premier League standings and ensure a robust defensive setup. Forest fans will be eager to see how Moreno contributes to their team’s ambition this season.
For more updates on Alex Moreno’s contributions and Nottingham Forest’s progress, stay tuned to the club’s official channels.
