It has been something of a tough season for Nottingham Forest's record signing, Joao Carvalho - not the one he would have hoped for.
After struggling to convince Martin O'Neill he was the man to build a team around last term, the £13m former Benfica midfielder would have been looking for more opportunities under Sabri Lamouchi.
He was severely hampered by an injury picked up early in pre-season and did not feature until the ninth game of the season, when he impressed at Swansea City.
However, since then he has registered two goals and one assist in 25 appearances as he has struggled to produce the form he is capable of.
Here, we look at five formations Carvalho could play in under Lamouchi as he works to fulfil his potential at Forest when the season resumes. It is currently suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.
1. 4-2-3-1
Lamouchi has experimented with Carvalho and Tiago Silva in the same side, with Carvalho on the left-wing. However, the 23-year-old has struggled to impress given his best position is as a number 10, which is arguably his countryman's favoured role as well.
2. 4-2-3-1 (2)
This time Carvalho is in his number 10 role with Silva dropping in alongside Ben Watson and Sammy Ameobi on the left. This is realistically the most likely way of getting both men in the team regularly.
Ameobi has had a fine first season on the left, but dropping Silva deeper can perhaps detract from his game a little. If Carvalho does not dominate games in this team than Lamouchi might always wonder if he is better playing Silva as a 10 with a more defensive midfielder alongside Watson.
3. 4-4-2 diamond
The formation which worked so well for Paul Hart. This formation sees Carvalho playing a number 10, but it could be a fluid one, with Silva and Joe Lolley all capable of playing in that role and the two central midfield roles.
In theory it detracts from Lolley's game, but he could still drift out to the right, as Andy Reid did on the left under Hart.
This formation would give Tyler Walker a chance alongside Grabban.
4. 4-1-4-1
Here, both Carvalho and Silva are in a position to supply Grabban.
It would be a more attacking formation than favoured by Lamouchi with only Ben Watson providing cover for the back four.
5. 3-5-2
Lolley plays as the number 10 with Carvalho playing alongside Watson as a deep lying playmaker.
He could also push forwards with the insurance policy of an extra central defender behind him.
However, there is no room for Silva in this formation, with Walker partnering Grabban as a second striker.
