Gary Neville goes viral as he named Nottingham Forest star, Vitor Pereira should not bench again after masterclass performance vs FC Midtjylland

Nottingham Forest’s captain Ryan Yates produced a heroic display in the UEFA Europa League last-16 second leg against FC Midtjylland, helping the Reds overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit to advance on penalties after a dramatic 2-1 win (2-2 aggregate) in Denmark.

The match at MCH Arena saw Forest fight back brilliantly under Vítor Pereira. Trailing from the home defeat a week earlier—where Midtjylland snatched a late winner—Forest showed resilience and quality. Yates was central to it all in midfield, driving the team with relentless energy, winning crucial battles, shielding the defense during intense periods, and contributing to the transitions that led to their goals. His leadership shone through as Forest leveled the tie and forced extra time before dominating the shootout 3-0 to book a quarter-final spot. The performance capped a night of redemption after earlier setbacks against the Danes in the league phase.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, known for his sharp analysis and measured praise, was fulsome in his acclaim for Yates post-match. The former Manchester United defender highlighted the midfielder’s “outstanding” contribution, emphasizing his work rate, composure under pressure, and ability to dictate play in big European moments. Neville, who has previously noted Forest’s grit but often critiqued aspects of their setup, described Yates as the “engine” who embodied the team’s fighting spirit. “He’s got that relentless mentality and quality that’s rare,” Neville said on air, praising how Yates “stepped up when it counted most” and helped turn the tie around. He drew parallels to top midfielders who’ve thrived in knockout ties, calling it a “captain’s performance” that showed growing maturity and leadership.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Forest in Europe, boosting their confidence ahead of the quarters. For Yates—a homegrown talent and long-serving captain—the night was proof of his evolution from a promising prospect to a pivotal figure. Neville’s endorsement underscores the respect Yates is earning beyond the City Ground, as Forest continue their impressive campaign on multiple fronts.