February brought a settling of expectations and relationships. The Leeds match had served as a crucial reset, helping Cruyff understand that talent alone wouldn't be enough to succeed at development squad level. Consistency, adaptability, and team-first thinking were equally important.
His performances stabilized at a solid level—not spectacular, but reliable and intelligent. Two assists against Birmingham City's development squad, a goal and assist in a 3-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers, steady defensive work and chance creation that helped Forest maintain their position near the top of their development league.
[Performance Trajectory: Steadily improving]
[Development Squad Status: Regular starter, trusted by coaching staff]
[Team Integration: Fully accepted by older teammates]
The improvement was reflected in his expanding role within the squad. Coleman began using him in different tactical setups—sometimes as a traditional number 10, sometimes deeper as a central midfielder, occasionally even wide right when Forest needed to rest other players or adjust their approach.
[Tactical Versatility: Growing]
[Current Stats - Level 2 (Updated)]
[Vision: 81/100]
[Passing Accuracy: 87/100]
[Through Ball: 74/100]
[Free Kick: 64/100]
[Dribbling: 56/100]
[Physical: 57/100]
[Leadership: 43/100]
[Decision Making: 54/100]
[Mental Strength: 51/100]
[Tactical Awareness: 48/100] *New Stat*
More importantly, his development squad success was having a positive effect on the U18s. Players like Marcus Reid and Jamie Torres had begun training with more intensity, inspired by the possibility that their pathway to higher levels was genuinely achievable.
"It's different now," Marcus confided during a walk after U18 training. "Before, playing for the first team felt like a fantasy. But seeing you make the step up, it feels possible. Like there's an actual path there."
[Inspirational Effect: Raising standards among age-group peers]
[Leadership Growth: Leading by example rather than instruction]
Williams had noticed the change as well.
"Your presence is raising the level of the entire U18 squad," he observed after a particularly sharp training session. "They're seeing what's possible with the right attitude and application."
"I just want everyone to improve. We're all better when the standard is higher."
"That's mature thinking. And it's exactly the kind of leadership we need at this club."
The conversation planted a seed. Cruyff had been so focused on his individual development that he'd underestimated the broader impact of his approach to the game. Perhaps his role wasn't just to earn his own promotion, but to help establish a culture of excellence throughout the academy.
[New Objective: Elevate Academy Standards]
[Method: Consistent high performance and positive influence]
[Long-term Impact: Systematic improvement across age groups]
In early March, an opportunity arose to test this broader influence. Forest's academy was scheduled to host a tournament featuring development squads from several Championship clubs. It was a prestigious event that would showcase the club's youth development program to scouts and coaches throughout the football league.
Coleman called Cruyff into his office the week before the tournament.
"I want to talk to you about your role this weekend," Coleman began. "You'll be playing, obviously, but I need more from you than just individual performance."
"What do you mean?"
"You've become a leader in this group, whether you realize it or not. The younger lads look up to you, the older ones respect your ability and attitude. This weekend, I need you to help bind the team together."
Coleman leaned back in his chair. "We'll be playing three matches in four days against quality opposition. Fatigue will be a factor, pressure will mount, and some players will struggle. Your job is to keep everyone focused on their roles and believing in what we're trying to achieve."
[Leadership Responsibility: Expanded beyond individual performance]
[Tournament Stakes: High profile, multiple matches, sustained pressure]
The tournament began with a match against Sheffield Wednesday's development squad. Forest started slowly, struggling to create clear chances against Wednesday's well-organized defense.
By halftime, the game was scoreless and several Forest players were showing signs of frustration. Ryan Peters was arguing with the referee about borderline decisions. Morrison was attempting increasingly desperate shots from distance. Even the typically composed Davies looked rattled by Wednesday's physical approach.
In the changing room, Coleman addressed the tactical adjustments needed, but Cruyff realized that tactics weren't the main issue. The team needed confidence and composure more than new instructions.
"Listen," he said quietly as the players prepared to return to the pitch. "We're creating chances. Their keeper's made three good saves, we've hit the post twice. The goals will come if we keep playing our football."
He looked around the room, making eye contact with each player.
"Wednesday are sitting deep because they're worried about our quality. They're hoping we'll get frustrated and make mistakes. Don't give them what they want. Keep passing, keep moving, keep believing."
[Leadership Moment: Taking responsibility for team morale]
[Approach: Positive reinforcement rather than criticism]
The second half was transformed. Forest moved the ball with patience and precision, creating space through intelligent movement rather than forcing the issue. In the sixty-second minute, Cruyff created the opener with a perfectly weighted through ball that put Russell one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
1-0.
The second goal came fifteen minutes later through Cruyff's direct involvement. Receiving the ball on the edge of Wednesday's penalty area, he had three defenders closing him down rapidly. Instead of forcing a shot or trying to dribble past them, he played a simple square pass to Peters, who had space to pick out Morrison's run to the far post.
2-0.
[Two Assists: Leading by example]
[Team Performance: Significantly improved through leadership]
Forest won 2-0, but more importantly, they'd shown the kind of resilience and tactical intelligence that suggested they could compete throughout the tournament.
Coleman's post-match comments were telling.
"That was a proper team performance. We stayed patient, trusted our ability, and executed our game plan under pressure. That's what development football should look like."
Privately, he added: "Your halftime words made a difference. The lads listened to you because they respect what you bring to the team."
[Recognition: Leadership ability acknowledged by coaching staff]
[Impact: Positive influence on team performance and morale]
The tournament continued over the next three days, with Forest facing Birmingham City and Leeds United in their remaining group matches. Each game brought different challenges—Birmingham's physicality, Leeds' pace and pressing intensity—but Forest adapted to each opponent while maintaining their core principles.
Cruyff's role evolved throughout the tournament. Sometimes he was the primary creator, delivering assists and key passes. Sometimes he was the defensive shield, tracking back to help protect leads. Sometimes he was simply the calming presence, keeping teammates focused when pressure mounted.
By the final match against Leeds—a rematch of their earlier encounter—Forest had qualified for the tournament final and Cruyff had established himself as the competition's standout performer. Not through individual statistics alone, but through his consistent elevation of teammates and tactical intelligence.
[Tournament Performance: Exceptional across multiple areas]
[Statistics: 4 goals, 6 assists across 4 matches]
[Leadership Impact: Measurable improvement in team performance]
[Recognition: Growing reputation beyond Nottingham Forest]
The final would be against Manchester City's development squad—the tournament favorites and a team packed with highly-rated prospects. It would be Cruyff's biggest test yet, and an opportunity to show that his development was preparing him for the next level of his journey back to professional football.