Alex Moreno made his debut for Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup last night after departing Aston Villa on loan.
Unai Emery improved his left-back position with the £37.5 million capture of Ian Maatsen from Chelsea this summer.
The Dutchman joined Aston Villa knowing there would be strong competition on the left side of defence as he battled with Lucas Digne and Alex Moreno.
With Emery preferring Digne over Moreno in pre-season and Maatsen seen as a starter in the long-term, Moreno knew he had to find another club to play regular football.
After dropping down to third choice at Villa Park, the talented Spaniard was snapped up by Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest, where he has since made his debut.
- READ MORE: Four Aston Villa stars could leave before Deadline Day, including forgotten Steven Gerrard signing
How Alex Moreno performed on his Nottingham Forest debut vs Newcastle
Moreno was handed his Forest debut on Wednesday night, with Nuno Espirito Santo starting him as a left wing-back against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.
The Reds would bow out of the competition, losing 4-3 on penalties, but the 31-year-old showed lots of promise on his first start and was involved in the goal.
His long throw was arrowed into the box and the ball dropped to Jota Silva, who rifled his effort into the top right corner.
Moreno rarely put a foot wrong on the night and showcased the attacking spark that Villa fans grew accustomed to seeing as he sent six crosses into the box, made one key pass and attempted two dribbles.
As a result, the former Real Betis star was given an 8.5/10 match rating by the Nottingham Post, who wrote: “Grew into the game and had really come into his own by the end. Excellent throw for the equaliser and celebrated an important block at the other end with just as much passion. Rating: 8.5/10.”
Loaning out Alex Moreno was the correct decision
Moreno was a key player at points under Emery, and although injury often hampered his involvement, a full season playing regularly at Forest is the best for his career.
Currently, the left-back wouldn’t be making the squad at Villa as the dynamic between Maatsen and Digne has worked well in the first two matches.
But at the City Ground, it appears he’s settled into his new temporary home very nicely and he’ll be eager to show what Villa fans are missing out on.
Everyone associated with the club knows how dangerous he can be in the final third and at Forest, he’ll have the license to get forward from wing-back.
Moreno already showed glimpses of his attacking talent against Newcastle and if he can keep up a level of consistency throughout his loan, perhaps the Reds will make a move permanent next summer.
That is the ideal scenario for Villa, who have a big decision to make in 2025 with his contract expiring a year later.
