Eugen
Bopp
| 2001 - | Midfielder | 35 (19) games | 6 goals |
Eugen Bopp's arrival in Nottingham was somewhat of a surprise, but Paul Hart, then the Youth Academy director, fought off competition from top European clubs like Ajax to sign the 16-year-old from Bayern Munich. When Hart became first team manager, he was very keen to utilise the young German's creative talents, giving him 12 starts over the 2001/02 season.
Bopp had just began to establish himself as a regular, also scoring a few goals, when his 2002/03 season was ruined by a rash challenge by Rob Lee during Forest's game at Derby. The resulting injury kept him out for most of the campaign and, truth be told, he hasn't been the same since.
Bopp is a very quick and skillful player who also has a deadly eye for goal. But he has long needed to work on his strength and fitness, and the broken leg set his progress back immensely. Doubts have also been raised about his attitude of late, after spending most of the 2003/04 season as a bit-part player. He will have to work hard if he is get back on track this year.