Murillo

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Defensive anchor

In the white-hot pressure of a Premier League relegation battle, Nottingham Forest's survival hinges on the commanding presence of Murillo. The 24-year-old Brazilian centre-back has been an iron wall at the heart of Forest's defense, amassing a remarkable 35 appearances and 2,593 minutes as the club fights for its top-flight life from 17th position. Valued at a staggering €50 million—making him one of Europe's most sought-after young defenders—Murillo has proven his worth through sheer durability and defensive excellence. His dominant aerial ability and 75-rated defensive intelligence have anchored a backline under constant siege, while his two goals from set-pieces provide rare attacking contributions. Most impressively, he's maintained exceptional discipline with just four yellow cards across a grueling campaign. Forest's recent DLDWW sequence hints at a revival, and Murillo's unflinching resolve has been central to that fightback. While attacking talents like Morgan Gibbs-White and Arnaud Kalimuendo grab headlines, it's Murillo's composure under relentless pressure that keeps survival hopes burning at the City Ground. Whether he drags Forest to safety or departs as their most valuable asset, Murillo has already proven himself a generational defensive talent destined for the elite.