There is no denying goalkeeper Brice Samba is “in charge” when he’s on the pitch, according to one of his Nottingham Forest teammates.
And defender Michael Dawson says the summer signing really is as much of a character as he comes across as.
Samba has quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite at the City Ground, thanks to some superb performances and a bubbly personality.
Having started the season on the bench, he is now firmly Reds No.1 and notched successive clean-sheets over the festive period as Sabri Lamouchi’s men bounced back from a dip in form.
And Dawson says it is not just his shot-stopping ability which catches the eye.
“Brice is a confident character on and off the field,” said the centre-back.
“Keepers can be weird! They have to be to play in goal, don’t they?!
“He’s one of those guys who you can tell is in charge. He’s in charge when he’s out there. He’s in charge when he has the ball. He makes decisions, and you live by them.
“His distribution is the best in the league by a country mile, in my opinion.
“I’ve played with some top keepers, and he’s certainly up there.
“He comes for crosses, he makes big saves.
“And the way football has gone now, you have to be able to use your feet - and his left foot is a wand. You see the way he sprays the ball out - he can start an attack.
“He can start something - if you’re aware to it and you’re switched on.
“He is as bonkers as he seems! But he’s one of those characters you can’t not love.
“Every day he comes in, he’s bubbly and he’s got that cheeky smile.
“It all boils down to when you’re performing well, it gives you a lift. He’s certainly been doing that.”
