From Journeyman to Talisman: The Rise of Chris Wood at Nottingham Forest
Chris Wood has always been a striker who thrives against the odds. From his early days in New Zealand to becoming Nottingham Forest’s talisman, Wood’s career has been a testament to resilience and adaptability. Now, in the 2024-2025 season, as Forest find themselves with a possibility of European qualification.
Wood’s goals and all-around contributions have made him the centerpiece of their rise. With 10 goals in 18 Premier League appearances, his form has been critical to Forest’s success, highlighted by a towering header on an impressive 3-2 win at Old Trafford against Manchester United.
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Early Career and Journeyman Phase
Wood’s professional journey began in his homeland before he moved to England, where he joined West Bromwich Albion’s academy in 2009. Like many young strikers, he had to carve his path through numerous loan spells at Barnsley, Brighton & Hove Albion, Birmingham City, Bristol City, and Millwall. These experiences, although transient, allowed him to adapt to English football’s physical demands.
Wood’s breakthrough came at Leeds United, where his 27 goals in the 2016-2017 season made him the Championship’s top scorer. That form earned him a move to Burnley in 2017, where he cemented his reputation as a consistent Premier League striker. Across four full seasons at Turf Moor, Wood scored at least 10 goals each campaign, becoming one of the league’s most reliable finishers. A brief stint at Newcastle United followed, but his opportunities were limited due to the club’s high-profile signings.
It was at Nottingham Forest, however, where Wood rediscovered his best form. Signed initially on loan in January 2023, Forest made the deal permanent for £15 million, a fee that now looks like a bargain given his contributions.
Rise at Nottingham Forest
Wood’s influence at Forest was immediate. Despite a thigh injury cutting short his 2022-2023 season, he scored a crucial equalizer against Manchester City in February 2023 — an early glimpse of his ability to deliver in big moments. Returning fully fit for the 2023-2024 season, Wood made his mark with 15 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions, including a hat-trick against Newcastle United, a statement performance that cemented his reputation as a big-game player.
This season, Wood has elevated his game, scoring 10 goals in 18 league matches for the Tricky Trees. His knack for decisive goals has been vital, with several match-winning contributions proving crucial in Forest’s strong start to the campaign, with the English club currently sitting fourth in the Premier League table.
Wood’s consistency, intelligent positioning, and aerial dominance make him a constant threat, while his ability to draw defenders creates space for Forest’s attacking midfielders. As the team pushes for European qualification, his clinical finishing and big-game performances have made him the focal point of their success.
Playing Style and Impact
Chris Wood’s playing style is defined by his physicality, aerial dominance, and predatory instincts inside the penalty box. Standing at 191 cm, he excels as a traditional target man, thriving in aerial duels and set-piece situations. In the current Premier League season, Wood has won an impressive 3.04 aerial duels per game, ranking him among the top five players in the league. This ability makes him a vital outlet for Nottingham Forest when playing long balls or looking to alleviate defensive pressure.
Photo: FBRef
Wood’s hold-up play has also been exceptional, averaging 1.6 successful lay-offs per 90 minutes, a testament to his reliability in linking play. His pass accuracy in the opposition half has improved to 57%, allowing Forest’s attacking midfielders like Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga to thrive off his distribution.
As a goal threat, Wood has been lethal, scoring 9 of his 10 league goals this season from inside the box, showcasing his poacher’s instincts. He has also recorded 0.73 goals per 90 minutes, placing him among the Premier League’s most efficient forwards. His expected goals (xG) of 6.21 highlights his ability to convert high-quality chances at an elite rate.
Photo: Understat
Wood’s aerial dominance has been a cornerstone of Forest’s attacking success. He has scored 4 headed goals this season, the highest tally in the league so far this season, reflecting his ability to exploit set-piece opportunities. With 2.2 shots per game, Wood’s efficiency in the air has made him a nightmare for defenders. His shot on target percentage sits at 56.6%, a significant improvement that highlights his clinical edge this season.
Photo: Understat
Defensively, Wood’s work rate is often overlooked. He averages 1.2 ball recoveries per 90 minutes in the opposition half, showcasing his ability to press defenders and disrupt build-up play. His work ethic perfectly aligns with Nuno Espírito Santo’s high-intensity tactical approach, making him indispensable in both phases of play.
Photo: Sofascore
When comparing him to similar strikers in the league, Wood’s aerial dominance and clinical edge place him on par with some of the top strikers in Europe this season. However, what sets him apart is his ability to deliver in big matches.
Key Moments and Fan Perception
Chris Wood has had a remarkable impact on Nottingham Forest during the 24/25 Premier League season so far. He’s been pivotal in several key matches, notably scoring crucial goals that have propelled Forest up the league table. Wood has been in exceptional form, with moments like his brace against Leicester City and his match-winning penalty against Ipswich Town standing out.
His performances have seen him draw level with Bryan Roy’s club record for Premier League goals, which has significantly boosted his standing among fans. Initially met with skepticism when he joined from Newcastle, Wood has transformed fan perception, earning praise for his clinical finishing and work ethic under Nuno Espírito Santo.
Photo: Flash TV
Fans and neutrals are like are starting to appreciate Wood, with many highlighting his goal-scoring prowess and the vital role he plays in Forest’s counter-attacking style. His consistent performances have made him a fan favorite, with supporters now seeing him as a key figure in their surprising climb to the top half of the Premier League standings.
International Career
On the international stage, Wood continues to be a key figure for New Zealand. In November 2024, he scored a hat-trick in an 8-0 victory over Samoa during Oceania World Cup qualifiers, underlining his consistency and leadership for the national team. Wood’s performances remain pivotal as New Zealand look to secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Conclusion
Chris Wood’s journey encapsulates everything that makes football compelling: perseverance, grit, and an unrelenting hunger to succeed. From being a journeyman striker to becoming Nottingham Forest’s talisman, his story is one of triumph against the odds.
This season, Wood’s goals and leadership have been instrumental in Forest’s rise up the Premier League table. As the club dreams of European football, Wood’s ability to deliver in key moments—like his winner against Liverpool—will remain central to their success.
With 10 goals already this season and standout performances in pivotal matches, Chris Wood is not just Nottingham Forest’s main man—he is the driving force behind their ambitions.
By: @Declan3013
Photo: @GabFoligno / NurPhoto