James McAtee

Key strength: Vision and passing

Creative playmaker

At 17th in the Premier League table, Nottingham Forest are in a desperate fight for survival, yet one of their most valuable assets - £21.5m-rated James McAtee - remains frustratingly underutilized. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder arrived from Manchester City this August with genuine pedigree, but has managed just 180 minutes across 3 league appearances in Forest's chaotic season. Despite zero goals and assists, the England youth international's technical prowess and left-footed creativity offer exactly what Nuno Espírito Santo's side lacks in the final third. With Forest battling relegation and McAtee's €25m market value representing a significant investment, the clock is ticking for the former City academy graduate to translate his evident potential into Premier League production. The next few weeks could define whether McAtee becomes Forest's salvation or another expensive gamble in their yo-yo existence.