19-year-old unfancied by Steve Cooper sends one-word message to Nottingham Forest star Murillo

Nottingham Forest star Murillo played another game for the Reds yesterday as the club climbed out of the relegation zone. After the game, the centre-back received praise on Instagram from a player who Steve Cooper didn’t pick.

It’s been a tremendous season for the Brazilian player. Murillo was courted by Manchester City before Forest nipped in and landed him from Corinthians for around £11 million.

The player has been ever-present in the Premier League since making his debut against Brentford back in October. He’s now being linked with four Premier League clubs ahead of the summer.

Yesterday, Murillo played the full 90 minutes as Forest drew 1-1 against Crystal Palace at the City Ground. He lined up alongside Felipe and together the pair largely kept the Eagles away from Matz Sels’ goal.

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Murillo receives praise from bizarre Steve Cooper signing

The 21-year-old has been a revelation on Trentside. He’s made the central defensive position on the left his own and as far as modern-day defenders go, he fits the bill.

Murillo has made the second most dribbles of any central defender in the Premier League, according to Who Scored. He also has a keen eye for a long pass and isn’t afraid to mix things up.

Yesterday, he took to Instagram after the game and received some praise from a man who never really got a chance at Forest.

Andrey Santos was signed on loan from Chelsea in the summer. Steve Cooper bizarrely chose not to play him and he managed just seven minutes in the Premier League for Forest.

After yesterday’s game, he took to Instagram to post a one-word message to Forest defender Murillo. He simply posted ‘Monstro’ to the Reds star which obviously translates to monster in English.

Murillo can help Forest survive this season

The challenge for Forest is to find someone who can partner with Murillo on a frequent basis. This season the Reds have seen use several different centre-backs and the lack of continuity has hampered the team at times.

Murillo is unlikely to be at Forest next season. With the club keen to ensure they pass the next financial fair play cycle, they will have to raise some funds and that means the Brazilian could be sold.

Felipe played yesterday but it’s been a rarity this season that he’s played back-to-back games. As a result, Andrew Omobamidele could come back into the fold on Tuesday night.

Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo needs to make a decision on the centre-back situation. The constant rotating is doing nobody any favours and a regular partner for Murillo would be ideal.

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