There have been few more consistent performers across Norwich City age groups than winger Gabriel Forsyth, who joined the club from Hamilton last summer.
This has been reflected in his numbers, with the Scotsman reaching 11 goal involvements for the season. Forsyth has scored four times across the campaign, as well as contributing to seven assists - resulting in Forsyth currently being top of the leaderboard for assists in 23/24.
Only young defender Guilherme Montoia has equalled his assist tally for the U21s this season (six), which demonstrates the monumental impact Forysth is adding, despite being only 17.
His performance levels in the new year have earned him a place back in the Scotland U19s squad, which, considering the squad is dominated by Celtic and Rangers players, is no mean feat for the youngster.
One of Forsyth’s biggest qualities is the standard and consistency of his performances despite being deployed in an array of different positions that have changed weekly, with the teenager performing roles at left-back, central midfield, as well as an inverted right midfield role, with confidence and quality.
The pleasing element regarding Forsyth’s performances in those positions is that he’s offered various qualities in the differing roles.
Despite being recognised as a central midfield player, the Scot hasn’t had many opportunities in that role due to City's coaching staff opting for solidity in those areas.
However, on the few occasions that he’s performed in this role, he’s shown wonderful tenacity to compete, committing heavily to contested duels.
One position in which Forsyth has been deployed regularly is left back. When operating in that position, he offers a good balance between defence and attack, which makes him a reliable option. This has been instrumental for the team's growth, too, especially with Montoia struggling with an injury-staggered season.
Forsyth’s attacking output from the left-back position is outstanding, with the teenager providing essential width for the team.
With the two inverted attacking midfielders tending to operate between the lines, there’s a necessity for the full backs to be proactive in an attacking sense, and Forysth epitomises that.
Due to his excellent running power and ability to beat defenders constantly on the left flank, it allows him the opportunity to demonstrate his quality in the final third.
With Forsyth being a confident left-footed player, his ability to persistently put the ball in dangerous areas comes naturally.
This was displayed against Dereham Town in the Norfolk Senior Cup, with Forysth whipping in an inswinging ball towards the path of Dan Ogwuru. He has also demonstrated his cognitive thinking in attacking scenarios, varying his crossing heights depending on certain situations.
Forsyth has also had to show his discipline in specific defensive situations. There hasn’t been much concern about any defensive vulnerabilities across the season, with there being significant growth instead.
One noticeable trait portrayed across the season is his anticipation. Forsyth has displayed his ability to read the destination of passes quickly before intercepting and moving the team forward. This improvement signifies another element of his front-footed game.
Forsyth has also been implemented as an inverted right attacking midfielder - allowing him to impact games dramatically in the final third. This has been apparent across the season, particularly after Christmas, when he has contributed to important goals.
During the games that Forsyth has operated in this position, it’s brought one of his biggest strengths into fruition. That particular quality is his long passing.
Throughout the season, Forsyth has displayed his scintillating passing ability - consistently finding his team-mates with various passing lengths. This feature of his game aligns back to the quality of his left foot, something he uses constantly using to great effect.
The quality of his left foot is sublime, which is why he’s a regular set-piece taker for the U21s side.
Despite Forsyth’s corners being slightly inconsistent in recent weeks, his free kick taking ability is tremendous. His free-kick against Kings Lynn in the Norfolk Senior Cup highlights that, with him finding the bottom corner impeccably.
From the start of the season, the growth in maturity has been visible with Forysth looking sharper from a tactical perspective, as well as showing more fluidity with his combinational play.
With the inclusion of Finley Welch and Ken Aboh into the first-team squads recently, there’s been a need for a selection of U21s players to step up, and the 17-year-old has done exactly that for Alan Neilson's side—contributing a goal or assist in every game in March so far.
What encapsulates the excitement surrounding Forsyth is that he has barely played in his preferred position yet this season - highlighting the optimism around the Scot. With it likely that Norwich U21s will integrate him into the attacking midfield role next season, he has a quarter of the season left to continue his momentum.
With Forysth’s excellent performance levels this season, he’ll go into next season with teams attempting to nullify the use of his left foot as frequently as possible. This’ll mean that he will have to get stronger with his weaker right foot, if he’s to continue affecting games.
At the rate that Forsyth is performing at this moment, the Scotsman is likely to feature in a first-team squad next season, which shouldn’t be an unrealistic aim.
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