Morgan Gibbs-White was given the man of the match award for his showing as Nottingham Forest drew 1-1 with Ipswich Town, but Oliver Glasner had a player who was even better.

Despite another disappointing result for Nottingham Forest, there was a lot to like from the game and several standout performances within the group. Forest had some excellent individual performers, such as both full-backs and Morgan Gibbs-White, who was given the man of the match award.

James McAtee has a starring performance for Nottingham Forest

James McAtee was absolutely brilliant in midfield for Nottingham Forest against Ipswich Town, effectively doing the job of two players, considering how unhelpful and poor Xaver Schlager was, especially off the ball, as he looked like he was miles off the pace and was so slow getting back in transition.

But McAtee made up for this in abundance with 13 recoveries and 22 defensive contributions in total, which is really impressive. He also won 13 of 18 duels he competed in, being deceptively strong despite his diminutive size.

McAtee was so busy, got around the pitch for the entire game, and did a strong job on and off the ball, as his 14 line-breaking passes showcase.

He also got forward when needed, bombing in behind only to be hacked down by Issa Diop in what could quite easily have been awarded as a red card. VAR controversy denied Forest this advantage, and it will surely be a talking point going forward.

Although Forest only has themselves to blame for their utterly awful finishing.

McAtee needs support in midfield

Having failed to properly replace Elliot Anderson, Forest are beginning to pay the price. Xaver Schlager isn’t really cut out for Premier League football, not quick enough nor mobile enough, as Ipswich were able to bypass him with ease.

However, looking to the bench and the options available to Glasner are slim, with Ibrahim Sangare the only real option available from the bench. Forest needs more, and January is a great chance for this to be acted upon with the likes of Tyler Morton already linked.

McAtee is great, but he cannot do it all alone. At times, next to Schlager, it was like he was a one-man midfield, as the Austrian jogged back in transition at a snail’s pace, which wasn’t good enough and placed far too much reliance on McAtee.

Forest need midfielders in January to add depth and also upgraded starting quality alongside McAtee. Already, people are beginning to look at him as the next big midfielder in the Premier League which means the club need to give him a worthy partner.