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.