Ryan Yates reveals the Nottingham Forest player who has ‘shocked’ him this season | OneFootball

Ryan Yates admits that Cafu has “shocked” a lot of Nottingham Forest players since arriving the City Ground in October.

The midfielder initially arrived on loan from Olympiacos, becoming the 13th new player to walk through the door over the course of a hectic summer transfer window.

The 28-year-old was originally billed as a defensive midfielder by the Greek media, but at first, most of his game time came in the number 10 role under Chris Hughton.

Cafu has since moved into a deeper midfield role, playing alongside either James Garner or Yates in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

After impressing in a Garibaldi shirt, Forest made Cafu’s move from Olympiacos permanent in February – a deal which was also prompted due to having six loanees on the books after the closure of the January window.

Having previously admitted that he has been left surprised by the Portuguese midfielder, Yates shares his manager’s sentiments.

“Cafu’s a different player,” Yates tells Football League World.

“He’s a lot more technical than I thought he was going to be.

“He’s a big guy and he’s quite fit and energetic, but his quality on the ball shocked a lot of us.

“He adds a bit of difference, he can unlock the door, and he gives us that versatility. He can play as a 10 or as a 6.

“We don’t really play with 8s, but I’m sure he could play in that role if needs be as well.”

Cafu has made 31 appearances across all competitions for Forest this season, chipping in with two assists for Hughton’s side.

29 of those appearances have come in the Championship, with 24 of those coming as starts.