Nicolas Tagliafico's stats vs Spain show why Nottingham Forest must accelerate deal
Nicolas Tagliafico was a standout for Argentina in their World Cup final loss to Spain amid interest in his services from Nottingham Forest.
The Lyon defender impressed on Sunday night but was unable to stop Spain lifting the trophy in New Jersey.
He started regularly for Argentina throughout the tournament, and stood up to the task of stopping Lamine Yamal from making his mark in the showpiece final.
Tagliafico has entered the final year of his contract in the last few weeks, with rumours rife around his future at Lyon as he approaches 34-years-old.
The left-back is yet to play any club football in England, despite being linked to several Premier League clubs in the past.
Nottingham Forest are the latest side touted to make a move for Tagliafico, and they will undoubtedly have been impressed by his showing against Spain.
Nicolas Tagliafico proved his quality and experience against Spain
Italian journalist Nicolo Schira has claimed that the Reds have opened talks with Tagliafico and his representatives as he prepares to leave Lyon during the summer window.
The 33-year-old may well be viewed as a short-term replacement for Neco Williams, who is being targeted by several other Premier League clubs this summer.
Tagliafico was one of the few Argentina players to emerge with real credit from Sunday's final clash, as he restricted Yamal to creating one chance and making just one accurate cross.
The left-back had the joint-most defensive contributions of any player to feature, with eight, while he created a chance, completed two successful dribbles and was not dispossessed throughout 125 minutes of play.
He also won eight ground duels and drew three fouls, so really proved his quality despite Argentina being on the back foot for most of the match.
Forest boss Oliver Glasner should certainly be encouraged to accelerate a move for Tagliafico, considering how he performed in the world's biggest game.
Which clubs are after Williams this summer?
Williams is a right-back by trade, but has regularly featured on the left for Forest over the last few seasons to accommodate Ola Aina.
He is under contract at the City Ground until 2029, but could leave the club this summer as several clubs eye a move.
Sources have recently revealed to Football Insider that Newcastle have joined the race for Williams alongside the likes of Man United, Everton and Spurs.
It remains unclear whether he is willing to push for a move, but Forest could well look to sign Tagliafico regardless of what happens to improve their depth at the back.