Diogo Goncalves was never at his best at Nottingham Forest, but he’s currently on fire for FC Copenhagen. He scored in the Champions League last night and is off to a good start this season.
The Reds loaned Goncalves out for the 2018/19 season. When he arrived at the City Ground, he was still quite raw, and he only made 10 appearances between Aitor Karanka and Martin O’Neill.
At Forest, Goncalves never scored a goal. He was consistently losing the battle to impress the two managers, with more experienced candidates frequently picked instead.
He was permitted to depart Benfica after 98 appearances during the January transfer window. He scored his first Champions League goal for FC Copenhagen last night in a 2-2 draw with Galatasaray.
His goal yesterday night extends his team’s good start to the 2023/24 season. He has six goals in 14 games for the Danish club and appears to be in fantastic shape.
Goncalves has recently been used as a central midfielder. He was considered a winger at both Forest and Benfica, but his role looks to have changed.
After the disappointment of Forest, Goncalves is beginning to shine.
Going to a different country and experiencing the Championship may have helped the player become a more well-rounded individual. He won’t have been pleased to spend the entire season in England and play only 10 games.
The problem for Goncalves was always going to be finding a place to call home and getting lots of game time. Copenhagen has now handed him that opportunity, which he is seizing with both hands.
Goncalves, at 26 years old, has plenty of time on his side. He will now seek to continue performing well for the Danish club and help them advance to the Champions League knockout stages.