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Had Felipe, the entirely classy central defender, arrived from Atletico Madrid prior to January, the debate might have had a different dynamic.

His impact has been such, that a video of him having his long hair cut off sent social media into meltdown — and prompted mild panic about whether the source of his powers would be lost with it.

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Similar is true of Danilo, the fellow Brazilian, who has added energy and dynamism in the centre of the pitch. Both men have provided substantial evidence that it actually is possible to make quality additions during the winter transfer window.

It is difficult not to ponder what further contribution players like Ryan Yates, Taiwo Awoniyi and Moussa Niakhate might have made had they not been sidelined for long spells with injury.

Yates — a player who must have lost count of the number of times he has been written off — was arguably Forest’s best, most consistent performer before illness and then injury ruled him out. Awoniyi will likely finish as Forest’s top scorer in the league despite missing three months with a groin problem. He’s on nine goals ahead of Sunday’s game — the most significant of them coming in the 1-0 win over Arsenal that secured safety.

All three have been vital in the final weeks of the campaign, with Niakhate’s long throw also proving to be a valuable weapon.

But when it comes to contenders for the Nottingham Forest player of the season, there are two candidates who stand out: Brennan Johnson and Morgan Gibbs-White.

That is a huge positive for Forest because they are two players who are only going to improve — and increase in value — if they can continue on their same rapid learning curve.

Johnson is already an established Wales international and Gibbs-White cannot be far off getting a call-up for England. The fact that two of the youngest members of the squad have also been two of the most important is a positive sign for the future.

Johnson, who celebrated his 22nd birthday yesterday, was the Championship’s Young Player of the Season last time round as his goals helped to fire Forest into the Premier League.

And he has found his feet impressively in the top flight. He had a dip in form prior to the World Cup but his pace has ensured he has been one of the most regular sources of attacking threat for Steve Cooper. His eight goals and three assists in the league prove he belongs in this kind of company.

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But it is Gibbs-White who has often grabbed this side by the scruff of the neck and dragged them towards the results they require; who has set the tone with his drive and determination.

They are not two words that you would always associate with the kind of player Gibbs-White is.

He possesses the ability to split a defence with a pass, to leave a defender in his wake with his quick feet and trickery and to score the kind of goals that linger in the memory for years. He is an artist. But he can also graft.

What also sticks in the mind is the sight of him celebrating after chasing back determinedly to stop a quick Arsenal counter-attack and managing to force the ball into touch. He pumped his fist as if he had scored a goal.

His 116 shot-creating actions this season put him in far more heralded company in the Premier League, and ahead of players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold (114), Bruno Guimaraes (108), Riyad Mahrez (105) and Jack Grealish (104). Gibbs-White has delivered five goals and seven assists — but his most significant contributions have come in the last three home games as Forest recorded a trio of wins to keep them in the Premier League.

The former England Under-17 World Cup winner scored in the 3-1 win over Brighton, added another goal and an assist in the dramatic 4-3 victory over Southampton and, most recently, delivered the killer ball against Arsenal for Awoniyi to net a massive goal in the history of the club.

Poetry 😍 pic.twitter.com/JjpSWFe3KX

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 9, 2023

Gibbs-White was always the player Cooper wanted to sign more than any other. But the player also desperately wanted to be reunited with the man he worked under for England. He pushed just as hard to be allowed to move to the City Ground.

“This club is like a family to me. Everyone inside the club is a family. You can see it, you can hear it,” said Gibbs-White following the win over Arsenal. “This is the best crowd, these are the best fans in the league by a country mile. Hats off to them for being behind us all the way. It has been beautiful.”

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When Forest spent an initial £25million ($31.1m) to sign Gibbs-White, the consensus of opinion — particularly from the West Midlands — was that Wolves had got a good deal.

Now, even with the fee likely to rise to around £35million with add-ons, it is Forest who look like they have got a bargain.

He is not only their player of the season but also one of their best sources of hope for the future.

(Top image: Photo: Getty Images; Design: Sam Richardson)

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