Steve Cooper has praised Nottingham Forest star Murillo after yesterday’s defeat to West Ham. The Reds were beaten 3-2 by the Hammers, despite leading 2-1.
Murillo was forced off in the 76th minute with a hamstring injury. Forest conceded the winning goal in the 89th minute to see them leave London with nothing to show for their efforts.
The 21-year-old has showcased in recent weeks that he looks a very shrewd signing. Murillo signed for the club in the summer, costing Forest around £11 million.
Cooper lauds Murillo for set-piece showing
Interestingly, Cooper has praised Murillo as one Forest player who did defend set pieces extremely well. Sadly, the same can’t be said for some of his teammates.
Forest defender Murillo now faces an anxious wait to discover the extent of his hamstring problem. Cooper has bemoaned having to take him off during the defeat and felt he was coping well.
The Forest head coach spoke to Nottinghamshire Live about Murillo: “He’s got a hamstring strain, so fingers crossed. He was the one who was defending the set plays really well. We put him in a pivotal role and he was doing it really well before he went off. That was a blow because he’s become an important player the way he builds up.”
Forest need Murillo to be fit
With two home games to come after the international break, Forest have to make sure they get Murillo back quickly. He’s different to all the other central defenders and the Reds need his ball-playing qualities.
Murillo has taken to life in England with aplomb. He’s taken every opportunity firmly in his stride and the Reds look to have hit the jackpot by taking him from Corinthians.
Forest have to keep as many of their top players fit as possible if they’re to start climbing the league table. Murillo fits into that group of top players at Forest and hopefully, things aren’t too serious with his hamstring.
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