Keane and Shearer: Three Forest Players Who Don’t Fit Dyche’s Blueprint

Roy Keane and Alan Shearer turned their attention to Nottingham Forest’s squad under Sean Dyche, agreeing that three established names simply lack the profile to thrive in his high-intensity, aerial, second-ball system. “Sean’s teams live or die on physical duels, set-piece threat, and relentless transitions,” Keane said. “If you can’t win headers or hold the line, you’re a liability.”

Shearer added: “It’s about role, not reputation. Dyche needs warriors who dominate the trenches. Some big names just don’t belong there.”

The pair singled out Taiwo Awoniyi, Ibrahim Sangaré, and Willy Boly as players who should be sold in January to fund more compatible recruits.

1. Taiwo Awoniyi

Keane: “Taiwo’s a goalscorer, no doubt, but he’s not a target man who pins centre-backs or flicks on long balls. He wants service into feet or runners beyond him—Dyche doesn’t play that way.” Shearer: “He drops deep to link play, but Sean wants a focal point who occupies both centre-halves. Awoniyi drifts out of the danger zone. A club with possession would suit him; Forest need a different striker profile.”

2. Ibrahim Sangaré

Keane: “Sangaré’s a ball-carrier with range, but Dyche’s midfield is about screening, second balls, and box-to-box energy—not progressive passes from deep. He’ll be bypassed constantly.” Shearer: “He’s elegant on the ball, yet Sean wants destroyers who break lines with legs, not feet. Sangaré gets caught in possession trying to play through pressure that isn’t there. Sell high while his market’s strong.”

3. Willy Boly Keane: “Boly’s class on the ball and reads the game well, but at 34 he’s lost a yard. Dyche demands centre-backs who dominate aerially every minute and step into midfield aggressively. Willy struggles with sustained intensity.” Shearer: “He’s composed in possession, but this system needs monsters in the air and relentless recovery pace. Boly’s experience is valuable, but physically he’s past the demands. A step down in league would prolong his career.”

Keane summed up: “These aren’t bad players—they’re wrong for the job. Offload them, bank £40m–£50m, and bring in a towering striker, a midfield destroyer, and a younger, quicker centre-half.” Shearer concluded: “Dycheball isn’t pretty, but it works when everyone fits. Right now, these three don’t—and survival depends on fixing that fast.”