Will Claudio Yacob’s arrival mean a change in system for Nottingham Forest?

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Nottingham Forest haven’t exactly made the most spectacular to the 2018/19 campaign, a season in which they have been backed heavily to be among the promotion contenders following a fruitful summer in the transfer market.

Aitor Karanka has overseen one win, one defeat and four draws from his side’s six Championship fixtures so far this season and he will be hoping to secure a few more victories once his side return to action after the international break.

One of the most problematic situations for Forest’s Spanish manager is choosing a consistent starting eleven, which is perhaps not so surprising considering the club have now recruited 16 new players since the start of the summer.

The latest arrival is former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Claudio Yacob, who has penned a two-year contract at the City Ground having been released by the Baggies at the end of last season.

The 31-year-old’s arrival was announced on the club’s official website, and has left some Forest fans scratching their heads as it now leaves the club with no fewer than seven central midfielders to battle it out for two places.

The Reds already have Ben Watson, Jack Colback, Adlene Guedioura, Liam Bridcutt, Ryan Yates and recent Greek arrival Panagiotis Tachtsidis to battle it out for the shirts in the middle of the park, with Yacob now ready to stake his claim for a place.

It does seem a somewhat interesting signing for Karanka to make, especially with the season just six games old and it begs the question as to whether he has seen enough of one of his current midfielders to justify his exclusion for future games.

Another scenario that might be on the cards is that the Argentinean man has been signed to protect the back four, a role he played with relative distinction during his 160 games across the Midlands with the Albion.

By employing a defensive midfielder in the Forest side, it could give whichever two players get the nod to start just ahead of him a license to roam forward with more freedom – something which hasn’t been evident all too often this season from the Reds.

Regardless of whether or not some supporters think Forest actually need another midfield player, one with 160 Premier League appearances to his name is not to be sniffed at, especially since Yacob signs on Trentside on a free transfer.

The Reds’ boss has stated in the past that if a good player becomes available at an affordable price then he will be keen to do a deal and that looks very much like what has happened in this situation.

“If you get a call or a surprise deal; if somebody wants to join us and he is the right one for the project, then they will come.”

Forest take on Swansea City next in the Championship and it remains to be seen just what plans Karanka has for his latest encouraging recruit.