Dan Ndoye has been told that the time for settling into life at Nottingham Forest is over.
Former Switzerland defender Stephane Henchoz believes the winger needs to show exactly why Nottingham Forest spent £34m to bring him to the City Ground last summer.
Ndoye arrived on a five-year contract, but his first season in the Midlands didn’t produce the kind of numbers expected for such a massive fee paid.
The Swiss international finished the season with only four goal contributions in 37 appearances across all competitions. Now, Henchoz thinks the 25-year-old is now ready to take that next step.
Henchoz wants more from Forest winger
Speaking to Swiss newspaper Blick, Henchoz pointed to the changes around Ndoye at Forest.
“Dan Ndoye is with a club steeped in tradition that’s investing money, has a new coach in Oliver Glasner, and has big ambitions.”
The former Liverpool defender also feels the competition for places will make life harder for his former protege.
“The competition for my former protege is fierce.”
That is where Henchoz believes Ndoye has to respond.
“His adjustment period is over.”
Ndoye has had a full season to get used to English football and his new surroundings. Now, the expectation is that he starts making a bigger difference in the final third.
“Now he needs to really establish himself at Nottingham Forest and put up solid scoring numbers.”
It’s a challenge Ndoye will have to embrace as Forest begin a new era under Glasner.
The winger has already shown that he can produce on the international stage. During the World Cup, Ndoye scored twice in six appearances as Switzerland reached the quarter-finals.
That spell offered a glimpse of what Forest supporters will want to see more regularly at club level.
Dan Ndoye has backing to turn it around
Despite the criticism, Henchoz isn’t writing Ndoye off.
“I believe he can do it.”
That backing could prove important for Ndoye as he looks to make a stronger impact at Forest.
His first season was undoubtedly below the level expected after such a substantial transfer fee. But there is still plenty of time for the Swiss winger to change the narrative.
Glasner’s arrival gives him another opportunity, too. A new manager means a fresh start for plenty of players, and Ndoye will be hoping to make himself an important part of the Austrian’s plans.
Nottingham Forest welcome Leeds United to start their Premier League campaign.
