The former forward was very good (6)
I believe the answer is:
expert
'very good' is the definition.
'expert' can be an answer for 'good' (synonyms). I am not certain of the 'very' bit.
'the former forward' is the wordplay.
'the former' becomes 'ex' (prefix meaning former or onetime).
'forward' becomes 'pert' (I've seen this in other clues).
'ex'+'pert'='EXPERT'
'was' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for expert that I've seen before include "Knowledgeable specialist" , "Person with special knowledge or ability" , "Adept" , "Clever" , "One who knows his stuff" .)