In the world of Nottingham Forest, where more than 40 new players have graced the pitch over the past two seasons, it’s remarkably easy for a newcomer to enter quietly. This was precisely the case for Murillo, the 21-year-old Brazilian defender, whose arrival during the late summer window for a substantial £12.5 million fee went relatively unnoticed at first.
Plenty of plaudits for Murillo.
👏🌎
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) October 10, 2023
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Following this, during Murillo’s debut against Brentford just last week, a rather amusing mishap occurred: his name was misspelled on his jersey. This blunder led to a barrage of jokes circulating among fans, suggesting that even Forest themselves might not have been entirely certain about the player they had brought in.
Standing at a respectable 6 feet in height with broad shoulders that lent him an imposing frame, Murillo was not a figure easily overlooked on the field. However, what truly set him apart was his multifaceted skill set and his remarkable readiness for Premier League football, a fact that left many at Forest taken aback.
Murillo’s journey to Nottingham Forest was a tale of obscurity, having made just 13 appearances for Corinthians and never having represented Brazil at the youth level. As such, few anticipated performances as promising as those he had delivered thus far.
His displays on the field spoke volumes, featuring pinpoint passing and a breathtaking solo run that would have made even his most gifted compatriots proud. These moments of brilliance were showcased in a thrilling stalemate against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
That Murillo run 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/I3DeddfcWw
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) October 9, 2023
Steve Cooper, the impressed Forest manager, lauded Murillo’s potential. He stressed the importance of young players maintaining a balanced mentality, urging them not to become overly exuberant in success or disheartened in adversity. Cooper also highlighted the club’s dedication to individual player development, expressing optimism that Murillo would benefit greatly from their program.
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