“He has been one of their most consistent and unsung heroes” – PL pundit Tony Cascarino admits he was totally wrong about Forest star Serge Aurier as he names him in his PL team of the season

Tony Cascarino has admitted he was wrong about Nottingham Forest star Serge Aurier. The 30-year-old has been named in his Team of the Season for The Times in a huge turn-up for the books.

Forest signed Aurier on a free transfer shortly after the summer transfer window had closed. The addition fetched criticism from some Reds supporters and that felt somewhat harsh. Aurier quickly proved everyone wrong. From the moment he was introduced as a half-time substitute in the 4-0 loss to Leicester, the Ivorian has showcased his undeniable quality at Premier League level.

Aurier has an abundance of experience. He’s played in the Champions League semi-final as recently as the 2021/22 campaign with Villarreal and spent some time at Tottenham during a pretty decent period for them.

Cascarino has come under fire from some Forest supporters this season. Earlier in the season, he claimed that he wouldn’t be surprised to see Steve Cooper become the first manager sacked given the nature of Evangelos Marinakis.

Now, he’s praised Forest. In particular, Aurier who he has given a special mention to after picking him in his Team of the Season for the The Times.

He told the newspaper: “And a year ago, if I’d included Serge Aurier at right back, everyone would have said I was nuts. He seemed to make a mistake every week but has been one of Nottingham Forest’s most consistent and unsung heroes.

Cascarino was wrong about Forest man Aurier
The Reds must act when it comes to the right-back. He’s been outstanding during the 2022/23 campaign and Forest can’t risk him going to another Premier League club ahead of next season.

Aurier has proved a shrewd signing. He didn’t cost a transfer fee and ultimately, the recruitment team at Forest did a wonderful job by persuading him to come to the City Ground. At 30, Forest did well to target a younger right-back option too. Neco Williams will be learning a lot from Aurier and before his injury struck, he has deputised well for the Ivory Coast star.

This is perhaps a surprise call from Aurier. When picking a Team of the Season, more often than not, the players come from clubs that have competed in the higher echelons of the division.

Cascarino isn’t fazed though. He’s picked out Aurier and this represents a turnaround in the mindset of the pundit who admits he didn’t used to fancy the Forest star too much.