Two Nottingham Forest teenagers who could break through next season, coaches are so ‘excited’ about one
Nottingham Forest’s Next Generation: Two Teenagers Who Could Break Through in the 2025/26 Season
Over the years, Nottingham Forest have built a reputation for nurturing homegrown talent, producing players who have not only contributed significantly at the City Ground but also made their mark on the broader football stage. In recent times, names like Matty Cash, Brennan Johnson, and Ryan Yates have stood out as prime examples of the club’s ability to develop top-tier players from within their own academy ranks.
Ryan Yates, in particular, remains a vital figure in the current squad. A player who has come through the ranks at Forest, Yates continues to embody the spirit of the club, earning admiration from both teammates and supporters alike. His passionate performances and deep connection to the club have made him a fan favourite, with chants of “one of our own” regularly echoing around the stands of the City Ground.
However, since the emergence of that talented trio, there has been a noticeable dip in the number of academy graduates breaking into the first team. Forest supporters, ever proud of the club’s rich youth development tradition, would certainly welcome the rise of a new generation of talent. Thankfully, the future may be brighter than it seems, with a couple of exciting young prospects potentially ready to step up in the upcoming 2025/26 campaign.
Here’s a look at two teenage players who could be poised for a breakout season at Nottingham Forest.
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Zyan Blake: A Rising Star in the Forest Academy
At just 17 years old, Zyan Blake is already making significant waves within Nottingham Forest’s youth setup. Despite his young age, Blake has been competing with players several years older, regularly featuring for the under-21 side. His impressive contributions in Premier League 2 (PL2), including four goal involvements in as many matches last season, underline his potential to make an impact at senior level.
Blake’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. According to The Athletic’s Paul Taylor, the Forest coaching staff are genuinely excited about the young winger’s future. Taylor highlighted Blake’s standout ability to drive forward with the ball at speed—an attribute that aligns perfectly with Forest’s style of play under Nuno Espirito Santo.
“There are a few players coming through the ranks that the club are excited about – Zyan Blake being one of them,” Taylor explained. “He’s a young man with a lot of natural ability when it comes to carrying the ball at speed. In theory, he would fit perfectly into the way that Forest like to play.”
Blake’s versatility adds even more value to his game. Comfortable playing on either wing or centrally as a number 10, his adaptability gives him an edge when opportunities arise. With Forest expected to face a packed fixture schedule next season due to their participation in the UEFA Europa Conference League, squad rotation will be key—opening the door for young talents like Blake to earn valuable minutes.
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Zach Abbott: A Defender with a Bright Future
Another young player who could be set to take the next step is 18-year-old defender Zach Abbott. Long considered one of the academy’s brightest prospects, Abbott began to receive first-team exposure toward the end of last season, impressing both fans and the coaching staff alike.
His most notable appearance came in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, where he was thrust into a high-pressure clash against Manchester City. Despite the challenge, Abbott rose to the occasion, showcasing maturity, composure, and defensive discipline far beyond his years.
Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo was quick to praise the youngster following that performance. “He did well. He’s a young lad. He played out of position, we all know that,” Nuno admitted. “But we are really proud of the way he competed against such good players and the way he handled himself. He’s going to have a bright future ahead of him.”
That kind of praise from a manager with top-flight experience speaks volumes. With Forest potentially needing to rotate their squad more frequently next season, especially in defensive positions, Abbott may find himself called upon more regularly.
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Looking Ahead: Opportunity Knocks
The upcoming season could prove to be a pivotal one for Nottingham Forest’s youth academy. With European competition placing additional demands on the squad, there’s a genuine opportunity for promising youngsters to earn their chance in the first team.
Zyan Blake and Zach Abbott represent two of the most exciting prospects currently rising through the ranks. If given the chance, they have the talent, mindset, and potential to become key figures for Forest in the years to come—just as Yates, Johnson, and Cash did before them.
For a club so deeply rooted in tradition and community, there’s nothing quite like seeing one of their own thrive under the City Ground lights.