This article forms part of our Profit Players feature series, which is where Football Transfer Tavern takes a look at how well a player has fared since being signed or sold, using statistical figures and statements from pundits to prove how good of a deal the club managed to achieve.

When you look at the rapport Joe Lolley has built with Nottingham Forest fans, it's hard to believe he's only been with the club for two years. The Reds swooped for him in 2018 from Huddersfield for a bitesize price of just £540,000, according to Transfermarkt.

In two seasons, not only has Lolley's market value spiked massively – now ringing in at £5.8million – but he has won over the hearts of his teammates and the club's loyal supporters.

This campaign, the 27-year-old has contributed to seven goals and seven assists in the Championship and has been an almost ever-present figure, missing just two matches out of the entire league term. His stats last season were even more impressive, playing 100% of Forest's games and tallying a total of 11 goals and 11 assists in the league (via Transfermarkt).

Lolley will have the chance to potentially match 2018/19's numbers once Championship football returns. The Reds will have nine games left to ensure they qualify for the play-offs and the versatile forward could be their ticket to doing so.

The Redditch-born winger boasts extreme versatility, being able to play on either flank, up front or in the attacking midfield role. His presence on the pitch will be what Forest need to kick on and hold their play-off qualification spot. They currently sit fifth in the table and as it stands, will be battling it out for the third promotion slot ahead of next season.

Lolley has also been spearheading Nottingham Forest's participation in the Football Manager 2020 EFL Cup – a competition where EFL sides take each other on virtually. The 27-year-old drove his side to the semi-finals after iconic victories over Mansfield and Middlesbrough.

Signing Lolley from Huddersfield for less than £1million was superb business from the club as they now have a real driving force and leader in their ranks. Whether he will stay with the club is unknown but his passion and clinical nature in front of goal could help them fight their way back into the Premier League this season. If he does fire them to the top flight, then he will surely rank as one of their best value for money signings ever.

Do you agree, Forest fans? Is Joe Lolley an inspirational asset to the team? Join the conversation in the comments below!