Wolves drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest on Saturday in the Premier League – and there was one Reds player who certainly caught the eye.
Matheus Cunha scored two goals for the visitors, as Gary O’Neil‘s side took a hard-earned point on the road.
Cunha’s first was very special, but it was cancelled out by Morgan Gibbs-White. There was an element of controversy about the goal, with the former Molineux man seemingly giving Nelson Semedo a push in the back.
Forest took the lead through Danilo, before Cunha got Wolves level again.
On balance, Wolves probably just about deserved a point, with Forest admittedly having some good opportunities to win it.
A lot of eyes were on Gibbs-White yesterday given his previous association with Wolves. He had a very good game for Forest, but so did a player Wolves were strongly linked with last year…
Murillo shone for Nottingham Forest against Wolves
With Wolves having Cunha available again, Forest being strong at the back was always going to be important.
Ultimately, the Brazilian scored twice and Wolves did take a point, but there can be no denying how good the performance of Murillo was for the hosts.
The central defender – who cost Forest around £15 million – was just a rock at the back. His goalline clearance from a Joao Gomes effort in the first-half was a real highlight, but then the rest of his performance was great.
As per Sofascore, he made two tackles, one clearance, one block and one interception. He also used the ball well, completing 51/61 (84%) passes.
Wolves should attempt Murillo swoop if Nottingham Forest are relegated
There is a possibility that Forest could go down this season, as they currently sit just one point above the relegation zone.
If that transpires, then Wolves could do a lot worse than to make a move for Murillo, who is a player the club reportedly showed an interest in the player last summer. In the end, Corinthians’ asking price was too high for Wolves, who had financial concerns at the time.
It’s possible given the sanctions imposed on Forest this season that they are going to have to sell some assets this summer.
If they go down, then Murillo might be worth looking at again.
Craig Dawson is not getting any younger, and it is not out of the question Max Kilman could leave if the right offer arrives.
Murillo has been voted Forest’s Player of the Month on three occasions this season (via Sky Sports), which just shows what a great campaign he’s had. Against Wolves on Saturday, he did not give the impression he is only 21 years old, as he played with real maturity and authority.
He is a player who Nuno Espirito Santo hailed ahead of Saturday’s game, saying: “He loves playing football, he enjoys playing football and he’s a fantastic talent.”
With Wolves having a couple of Brazilians already in Cunha and Gomes, and several Portuguese speakers, perhaps Murillo would consider a move to Molineux if Forest did slip back into the Championship.
Granted, there is a bit of a rivalry with Forest now and they likely wouldn’t want to sell to Wolves if they could help it. But if the money is right, there could be a chance.
You would imagine, though, that plenty of other clubs would be sniffing around, meaning Wolves may just need some form of European football if they are to be a consideration for the player.