Nottingham Forest currently occupy the second automatic promotion spot in the Sky Bet Championship table, after making a hugely impressive start to the season under Sabri Lamouchi.

After 11 league matches, the Reds sit level on points with West Bromwich Albion at the summit of the league standings, having failed to lose a single game in the league since their opening day defeat to the Baggies.

Two players who have been influential in helping Forest climb to the top of the table have been defensive duo Michael Dawson and Joe Worrall.

The latter has come up leaps and bounds under Lamouchi since impressive out on loan at Rangers last term, putting in a series of solid displays alongside his experienced mentor in Dawson.

Dawson has been missing from the Reds' previous two games due to injury, but the veteran defender has played an integral role in helping Forest get off to such a good start under the new managerial regime.

Here, we take a look at why they are so important to the Reds...

Dawson and Worrall have played together for nine of Forest's opening 11 games so far this season, forging a real understanding in defence, and helping Forest concede very few goals.

The whole back-line looks so well-drilled and organised under Lamouchi, with goalkeeper Brice Samba excelling since his move to the City Ground from Caen.

Matty Cash and Yuri Ribeiro also add so much going forward as well as going back, but it's Worrall and Dawson who have led from the back superbly well.

The pair have kept three clean sheets whilst playing alongside each other this season, with Forest conceding only nine goals thus far this term.

Both players' roles are very similar - they are both strong in the air and always look to play the ball out from the back and build from there.

It's Worrall who comes out on top in this particular battle, with the 22-year-old accruing a pass success rate of 84.7% compared to Dawson's 76.7%.

Worrall has been an ever present for Forest this season, playing every single minute of their 11 Championship matches thus far.

The homegrown star has been solid in the tackle, accruing a slide tackle success of 75% compared to Dawson's rate of 66.7%, and he has also made more interceptions than the 35-year-old.

Dawson comes out on top in the physical side of the game, though, having won more aerial duels than Worrall perhaps due to being taller and possessing more a physical prowess.

He rose highest to convert against Birmingham City in a 3-0 win, whereas Worrall is still searching for his first goal of the campaign.

Dawson's leadership and knowhow will be beneficial for Worrall as he looks to continue developing as a player, and the pair's relationship will be invaluable as the Reds look to win promotion this term.