Liam Delap says Nottingham Forest have a player who’s even tougher than Virgil van Dijk

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Liam Delap has been one of the breakout stars of the Premier League this season, but one of his toughest opponents came in the form of a Nottingham Forest star.

Forest will prioritise signing a striker in the summer to support Chris Wood, who has carried the goalscoring burden at the City Ground with 19 Premier League goals.

Not too far behind, though, is Delap with 12 goals, particularly impressive given that Ipswich Town have struggled throughout the campaign.

His talent hasn’t gone unnoticed, as Garry Birtles told Forest to sign Delap back in November. Competition will be fierce for his signature, but perhaps he’d like a move to Forest to avoid a defender that he rates above Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.

Liam Delap rates Murillo over Virgil van Dijk as toughest opponent

In a similar way to Delap, Murillo is one that Europe’s elite sides will be queuing up for, so much so that Forest slapped a world-record price tag on Murillo in an attempt to fend off interest.

Murillo’s talent terrified Theo Walcott when he saw him first-hand, and Delap seemed to have a similar reaction, based on how he spoke of the Brazilian on Sky Sports’ Sticker Book show.

Discussing the options for his toughest opponent, Delap said: “I think everyone always says Van Dijk and by far, he’s probably been one of the best centre backs in the world in the last few seasons, [but] I played against Murillo and I was really impressed with him. He’s still young, and he’s so fast and strong.”

The striker would eventually pick Murillo, adding: “I’m going to go for Murillo, I really like what I’ve seen from him this season, […] he’s young and I’ve been really impressed with him this season.”

Those at the City Ground will no doubt be delighted to hear Murillo talked about in such glowing fashion, but perhaps they should be looking more at Delap himself, who could offer a different dimension to the Forest squad.

Liam Delap could solve Nottingham Forest’s striker dilemma

Ahead of the summer, Forest have been linked with Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa most intensely, as the front line is set for strengthening with European football in mind.

However, Delap should certainly be considered for this striker role, given what he can offer as an alternative to someone like Wood.

Delap is behind Wood in goals, but at only 22 years old, this is something that can be developed over time. Where he shines, though, is through work on the ball, completing 2.17 progressive carries per 90 and 1.41 successful take-ons, something that Wood can’t compete with.

With Delap’s transfer value already set at £30m due to Ipswich’s relegation, he’s certainly a name Forest should consider, to add a level of energy through the middle that would complement Wood’s clinical nature perfectly.