Joe Cole stunned at bargain signing Nottingham Forest pulled off after win over Brighton

Nottingham Forest were at their best against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, returning to winning ways in the Premier League with a 7-0 victory.

After Forest’s dismal defeat to Bournemouth, there was a quiet concern that Nuno Espirito Santo’s side could’ve reached the end of their incredible run of form, but the win against Brighton showed that the Forest squad is here to stay at the top of the Premier League table.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola offered Espirito Santo tactical advice in what would’ve been a humiliating moment for the Forest manager, but he bounced back perfectly with his decision to bring Danilo into the midfield.

The Brazilan was involved in the opening goal, whilst helping Forest dominate the midfield battle on the way to a routine victory at the City Ground.

However, it was another Brazilian who caught the eye of Chelsea legend Joe Cole on commentary, as he waxed lyrical about one of Danilo’s teammates.

Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images

Joe Cole full of praise for Murillo in Nottingham Forest win

With Forest relatively comfortable in the game, Brighton were still creating chances so Murillo at the back had to be on top form, especially after Espirito Santo was frustrated by Murillo against Bournemouth.

Thankfully, the Brazilian returned to his best against Brighton, leading to Cole singing his praises on commentary for TNT Sports.

Cole said: “[Murillo is] Brilliantly Brazilian. There’s been a lineage of Brazilian centre-halves we’ve seen over recent years like Thiago Silva. Again, what a find, what a player he’s [Murillo] been. You can see, from talking to Nottingham Forest fans, they absolutely love him.”

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Murillo signed a new contract at Forest in January in what was arguably more important than any incoming signing could ever be, with Cole’s comments proving that the Brazilian has caught the eye of the wider football world.

Because of this interest, Forest are demanding a world-record fee for Murillo should any side be interested, which seems likely given Murillo’s stats against Brighton.

Murillo was imperious for Nottingham Forest against Brighton

Forest’s defence was uncharacteristically shakey against Bournemouth, but Murillo’s display helped the Forest manager right the wrongs of the previous weekend.

Statistic Murillo vs Brighton Duels won 6 Chances created 1 Passes into final third 9 Successful dribbles 3 Dribbled past 0 Murillo’s performance vs Brighton in numbers

Winning six duels and not being dribbled past showed just how strong Murillo was defensively, but perhaps the most impressive stats come when looking at his forward play.

Murillo played nine passes into the final third that resulted in a chance created for the team, as well as completing three successful dribbles which helped the Forest squad transition into the attack efficiently.

Real Madrid have scouted Murillo this season and his all-action performance against Brighton showed just why. For now, though, Evangelos Marinakis will want to bask in the glory of one of his best signings so far as Forest owner.

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