Morgan Gibbs-White: A World Cup Case Too Strong to Ignore

Just shy of nine months ago, Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis became one the English football's biggest talking points when he intervened to stop Morgan Gibbs-White making a summer move to Tottenham Hotspur. 

After collapsing a move that looked all but done, Marinakis had his talismanic no.10 tied down to a new three-year contract less than 24 hours later.

The subsequent pitchside interview, between Gibbs-White and Marinakis, would spread like wildfire across social media, with some drawing comparisons to a scene from the sitcom 'The Office' for its glances to the camera and ability to make a viewer feel slightly uncomfortable. 

While Gibbs-White insisted he was 'delighted to sign', his body language had some wondering whether he would have preferred a switch to North London.

But whatever people may say about the Greek's unique leadership methods, this particular intervention looks like his most important yet.

Forest's no.10 sits joint-fifth in the Premier League top scorers' chart and, if Forest are to avoid relegation, his goals will be one of - if not the - biggest reason why. 

Tottenham sit 18th, desperately lacking the impact Gibbs-White is providing.

Three of his twelve league goals arrived yesterday as the 26-year old notched his first career hattrick in Forest's 4-1 win over Burnley. 

After levelling with a calm finish, the Wolves academy graduate put Forest in front just seven minutes later - lashing a volley past Martin Dubravka at the far post.

Gibbs-White then met a Ryan Yates cross with a stunning header to complete a 15-minute hattrick that not only strengthens Forest's survival hopes, but also his own hopes of returning to Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup.

Yesterday, Gibbs-White was serenaded by chants of 'England's number ten' by the City Ground faithful.

While even Forest fans themselves would admit that their star man will not be Tuchel's first-choice attacking-midfielder, the Wolves academy graduate has certainly done enough to warrant a seat on the plane. 

This is not only due to his own brilliance, but the misfortune of others competing for the same spot.

After his North London Derby hattrick in November, Arsenal's Eberechi Eze has struggled to sustain any kind of form that would have him in the forefront of Thomas Tuchel's mind. 

Phil Foden has found himself surplus to requirements at Manchester City, largely thanks to the brilliance of Rayan Cherki.

Cole Palmer has also been unable to hit the heights of seasons past at Chelsea.

Gibbs-White has stepped up for Forest this season, showing real maturity and providing huge moments for a side battling relegation. 

No other English player has scored more Premier League goals this season.

Whether his England number 10 rivals would have the same individual impact for a side at the bottom of the table is a question that, although hypothetical, is worth giving some thought.