Murillo's imperious form shows Forest's commitment to recruitment has paid off | first division

Headaches will be the order of the day in Nottingham on Wednesday morning. One of them will be the Bosque Murillo center back, who spent 90 minutes using his skull to try to help his team. maintain the lead against Liverpool. In the end it wasn't meant to be, but this was further proof that the 22-year-old is becoming one of the best defenders in the world thanks to the perfect balance of intelligence, aggression and physicality.

Not only were a multitude of crosses launched from the box with great regularity, but the concentration required to calm the most prolific striker in the country and possibly the best in Europe would have physically and mentally exhausted anyone, although Murillo will not fear a hangover. Forest have conceded a goal in two games against the league leader, who in the other 18 have scored 47 goals. It is no coincidence that Nuno Espírito Santo's team coped so well LiverpoolIt takes a lot of organization and quality.

The Brazilian's experience with Corinthians was limited as Forest paid £10m for the young centre-back during their scattered recruitment period. Many must have wondered if his lack of credentials would make him a concern in a first division defense, especially one that was struggling as it was when he landed in the East Midlands.

Murillo certainly doesn't lack confidence and likes to play on the front foot; In the first half he picked up a loose ball just inside the Liverpool half and decided, as no other centre-back would, that the only option was to move forward and aim from about 40 yards out. He has a thunderous left foot and his compatriot Alisson expressed some concern when he whistled past his post.

A similar trick was attempted after the break when Murillo intercepted the ball and saw the goalkeeper off his line. Despite being in the middle line, he tried his luck without success.

These are not part of Murillo's remit but they sum up the man's character. Someone who is unfazed by any opponent and stands by his own ability; this also transfers to his defense. Amid the numerous interceptions and aggressive tackles timed to perfection to provide their own brand of entertainment to a raucous crowd, the standout moment came when Liverpool pounced on Forest, giving Luis Diaz almost a free run into the box with just Murillo on his way. Cody Gakpo seemed certain to receive a pass from the Colombian, but he stretched out a timely leg to block the pass and save the day. It was smart defending, getting in the right position while moving back to almost certainly prevent a goal.

Díaz had made an enemy in Murillo and the Brazilian was eager to prove that he was the dominant partner in the dispute. Without the ball in sight, the centre-back executed a clever push on the winger's back, leaving him on the ground and complaining of having been wronged. Murillo possesses street smarts and none of the officials noticed, which angered Díaz even more and distracted him from his real task.

Numerous formations and partners have formed the defense of the Forest during his mandate at the center of it. The best thing Nuno and the recruitment team have done to take advantage of the talent they have in one of the best left centre-backs in the Premier League was to bring in Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina. They complement each other perfectly; The Serbian is a calming influence in the heat of battle, willing to push aside rocks and sweep away when necessary.

Mohamed Salah was trying to play between Murillo and Neco Williams on the left, but it was ineffective by his standards. Finding space was a difficult concept for the Liverpool striker, who struggled with Murillo's physique and was unable to outrun him or use his favorite tactic of cutting in from the right and shooting.

Before the game against Liverpool, Forest had kept four clean sheets in a row. Considering what centre-backs are looking for, the idea that Forest have acquired the league's most stable partnership for a combined total of around £25m shows that the era of throwing excrement at the wall is over.

However, they will be frustrated by conceding so easily from a set piece, allowing Diogo Jota to move freely behind Murillo and score seconds after entering the field. It was a critical moment but we must not forget that this was his first shot on goal and it lasted until the 55th minute. Before this, Liverpool had limited themselves to shooting from distance because they could not get close to Matz Sels' goal.

Murillo is loved at Forest and when he finally unleashes a 40-yard screamer into the top corner, the City Ground will erupt. In the meantime, they will celebrate every tackle and block because it's what they do best, as Liverpool will tell you.