Yates’ future successor, a promising kid from Nottingham Forest, may already be Cooper

Following their return to the Premier League, Nottingham Forest has reaped the rewards of developing academy stars, with graduates contributing both on the field and financially through departures over the past few years.

From Matty Cash to Brennan Johnson, the Forest academy has seen some of its graduates produce enormous profits for the team as a result of their value at the peak of their careers, while others continue to thrive at the City Ground.

Joe Worrall and Ryan Yates are still at the club as essential components of the squad, and there is a wealth of talent waiting in the wings to follow in their footsteps. Steve Cooper has used the academy to his advantage.

Kristian Clarke: Who is he?

One name that has come up this week is that of Kristian Clarke, a 16-year-old academy midfielder who plays an important role for the Reds’ U18 team.

He moved to Trentside from Exeter when he was 12 years old, and he has since progressed through the Forest academy’s ranks to occupy a powerful position behind the scenes.

In relation to his path to the Premier League, the youngster’s signing of his first scholarship with the Tricky Trees this summer marked the beginning of what might be a make-or-break voyage for the talent.

The kid was recently recognized as the Forest representative in the Guardian’s “Next Generation 2023” list, giving readers a suggestion on notable prospects to watch the development of. It may be concluded that the teen has tightly grasped the chances ahead of him.

Journalist Will Unwin stated in the piece that the 16-year-old has “all the qualities necessary” to develop into a “fine central midfielder,” which is the position he primarily plays for the U18’s.

The Englishman is a flexible player who can play as an offensive midfielder or in a deeper position. According to the Guardian, he is a player who is “mobile, quick over short distances, and at ease on the ball.”

The starlet’s future appears to be bright after making twelve appearances in the U18 Premier League the previous season when he also scored a goal. At the City Ground, he has many role models to look up to.

What might Kristian Clarke’s future hold?

Young players in Forest’s academy have witnessed firsthand how far dedication and perseverance can take you. Johnson was crucial to his club’s promotion and was a key factor in guaranteeing the Reds’ continued success in their subsequent season.

The striker left his comfortable surroundings to complete his success narrative as an academy product to a multi-million dollar acquisition for a prestigious club by moving to Spurs for £47.5 million on deadline day this summer. The forward scored 29 goals in 109 outings for the club.

Whereas Johnson is currently serving as the City Ground’s face of the academy’s rising players, Clarke may find inspiration in Yates, who plays in the same position as the 16-year-old and followed a similar career path.

The 25-year-old, once hailed as a “culture-setter” by Cooper, defied the odds to maintain his status as a favorite at Forest despite earlier criticism from his own fan base and the fight for spots within the squad.

Yates is the appropriate role model for Clarke to follow because the young man has the same ideologies, and the Guardian describes him as a “popular member of the team” because of his distinctive attitude in the academy.

Yates has made 170 appearances for his boyhood club, and he still plays for Trentside, fulfilling his dream and providing an example for those who may come after him. All indications are that Clarke may have a similar story to tell in the future.