Stefan Ortega proves why Nottingham Forest must have contract on the table after display vs Aston Villa
Stefan Ortega must surely be in line for a new contract at Nottingham Forest after another busy display in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Thursday night.
The goalkeeper was arguably the only Reds player to emerge with any credit as they were knocked out of the Europa League at the semi-final stage at Villa Park, as Vitor Pereira’s side were crushed by their hosts.
Ortega has been handed responsibility in the Europa League since his arrival from Manchester City in January, but many supporters had been questioning whether Matz Sels would be given the nod for the big game.
However, Pereira stood by the German, who turned in a valiant effort as his teammates crumbled in front of him.
The 33-year-old’s short-term contract at the City Ground is due to expire at the end of the season, but he must surely be in line for a new deal after Forest’s latest defeat.
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VISIT THE FOREST MATCH HUBStefan Ortega efforts surely warrant reward of new deal
Ortega arrived in a difficult situation at Forest, as he was expected to go from hardly getting a minute at City to suddenly taking on the burden of a European campaign.
However, the veteran has quickly proved his worth with clean sheets on home turf against Porto and Villa respectively, having also previously shut out the opposition away at Fenerbahce.
| Stats | Ortega Totals |
| Saves | 6 |
| Goals Conceded | 4 |
| Goals Prevented | – |
| High Claims | 1 |
| Punches | 1 |
| Accurate Passes | 25/34 (74%) |
He has kept four clean sheets in eight games in all competitions, and has arguably threatened to displace Sels on a regular basis in league action in recent weeks.
Ortega may have picked the ball out of his net on four occasions on Thursday evening, but it was through no fault of his own as he was hung out to dry by his defence on several occasions.
The gloveman made six saves on a busy night between the posts, as he proved yet again that he still has what it takes to be a top ‘keeper.
The scoreline would have been even more embarrassing were it not for the shot-stopper’s efforts, as he helped to keep it somewhat respectable by full-time.
He has surely now done enough to earn himself an extension on the short-term deal that he penned at the City Ground, even if he is only given an extra year.
Ortega displays could alter Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels stance
Football Insider revealed back in April that Forest are ready to block an exit for Sels this summer, as they do not want to lose their first-choice keeper.
The 34-year-old has been identified as a summer target by Club Brugge, but Forest aren’t open to the idea of a sale, despite him entering the final year of his contract this summer.
However, Ortega’s recent performances surely mean that they have a decision to make in that department ahead of next term.
Handing a new deal to the former City man and promoting him to become the starter could be a wise call from Pereira and Co., as it would also allow them to cash in on Sels while they have the chance.
Forest have been steady in the goalkeeping department for several years now, but this could be the ideal time for them to change after a generally poor campaign.