How did Murillo do at Nottingham Forest last season? Liverpool transfer target has been assessed

Liverpool like Nottingham Forest’s Murillo. The Brazilian has been mentioned as a transfer target for the Reds after his debut season in the Premier League.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are “keeping tabs” on Murillo’s situation. This comes amid potential profitability and sustainability concerns for Nottingham Forest, who may need to sell before June 30.

At Liverpool’s end, there seems to be a need for strengthening at centre-back. While Jarell Quansah has impressed hugely in his outstanding season, Joel Matip has left the club, while Virgil van Dijk turns 33 and Ibrahima Konate is injury-prone.

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And there’s a lot to like about Murillo. While Nottingham Forest as a whole clearly struggled last season, their defensive record surpassed all the relegated sides and was actually better than ninth-placed West Ham. Chelsea have only conceded four fewer goals.

More importantly, Forest could sign Van Dijk and he is likely to send plenty more goals. It’s not the best way to assess the individual qualities of Murillo, who seems to have the kind of skills that would translate well to a bigger team.

Crucially, he is very secure in possession. His passing still leaves a lot to be desired at the top level, but he is comfortable running with the ball and his success rate puts him in the 98th percentile of defenders in Europe’s top five leagues (FBRef).

Liverpool actually saw the downside when they won 3-0 at Anfield last season, with Murillo getting to midfield before being dispossessed. The Reds went to half-time and Nottingham Forest eventually conceded. But more generally, it’s a very useful weapon. Liverpool don’t need to tell him twice after witnessing Matip wreak havoc with his long runs for the last eight years.

At just 21, Murillo would be a long-term replacement for Matip. There’s no doubt that his understanding of when to get into those runs will improve, and there’s time for his passing to improve as well, especially when he’s surrounded by better teammates who give him better options.

It’s impossible to assess his season in the Premier League without noting that he arrived straight from Corinthians in Brazil. Considering the massive stride he was taking, he looked remarkably comfortable. And no review of his campaign would be complete without noting his incredible long-term efforts. On more than one occasion, Murillo came agonizingly close to emulating Xabi Alonso, unleashing unerring efforts from his own half to leave the keepers scrambling.

Of course, this will not be at the top of Liverpool’s list of criteria. But those attempts showed a defender with a real knack for striking the ball and the vision and guts to try something different: those things really appeal to the Reds.

Liverpool.com says: The June 30 deadline is approaching. But if there is a potential bargain, Liverpool must ask the question.

To adapt to the Premier League straight from Brazil at such a young age is very impressive. And Murillo has the technical skills to match more than his strong physique.