Nottingham Forest legend Kenny Burns has called upon boss Mark Warburton to reintroduce full-back Eric Lichaj back into the starting XI, in an interview with the Nottingham Post.
The former player, who played upfront and at the back during his 22 year career, declared the American to be Forest’s best defender, although he did admit that the former Aston Villa trainee was not the best going forward.
Warburton has persisted with Tendayi Darikwa at right-back for all eleven of Forest’s opening Championship encounters, and the former Burnley man has been one of the most consistent players on the park for the Reds this term.
Burns’ issue with the player however is his tendency to prioritise attack over defence, and claims this is his reasoning for demanding Lichaj is brought back into the fold.
Lichaj has made just one substitute appearance from the bench this season, but Burns is keen to keen to see him start, with Forest having conceded 19 goals in just 11 Championship games this season.
The Verdict
Burns’ opinion can be looked at in two ways.
Yes, Lichaj is much more defensive-minded than Darikwa, and is content to sit back in his right-back berth to cover the space left by the marauding runs of the likes of Barrie McKay and Ben Brereton on the wings.
He is conservative and level-headed, and his presence would ensure Forest concede less goals.
However, they would lose the dangerous threat of Darikwa, who has the engine to get up and down the touchline for 90 minutes.
The Nottingham born man already links up well with the likes of Liam Bridcutt and Ben Osborn in the middle, and his overlapping runs create space for McKay to cut inside and create new openings towards the goal.
Forest have scored 15 goals this year due to their attack-minded nature, and although they may concede less with Lichaj at the back, they will certainly be on the scoresheet less with Darikwa off the field.
Warburton just has to make the choice between more goals, or a better defensive record.
Who would you prefer to see at right back, Forest fans?