Murillo in hysterics at Morato’s ‘kid’s games’ claim in Nottingham Forest footage
Murillo couldn’t keep his laughter in as Morato gave a surprising display in Nottingham Forest’s pre-season training in Portugal.
One of the key reasons for Forest’s success last season was down to the solidity of their defence.
Brazil international Murillo developed an impenetrable partnership with the arrival from Fiorentina Nikola Milenkovic.
The duo provided Golden Glove winner Matz Sels with resolute cover, helping the Belgian to 13 clean sheets in the Premier League.
Looking to see out the late stages of matches, Nuno Espirito Santo called on Morato to enter the field, changing the formation to a back three.
This strategic move helped the Garibaldi be one of the best sides at holding onto leads when they got the first goal in the English top-division, thanks to their rock-solid rearguard.
Morato shows off a different side of his game
The club shared a video on Instagram (29 July) capturing a shooting drill that featured the two Brazilians.
Captioned: “When I’m on, it’s on”, centre-back Morato curled rockets into the back of the net, stunning his teammates, including the perplexed Murillo.
Upon scoring his first pile-driver, the 23-year-old couldn’t believe what he saw, exclaiming: “What was that Morato?”
Morato’s fourth shot nestled in the top left-hand corner with the 24-year-old saying to the camera: “Translate this, when I’m on, it’s no nonsense.
“It’s not about winning these kids’ games. When I’m on, it’s on.”
His compatriot shook the centre-back turned temporary pinpoint striker’s hand, cackling with laughter, later liking the post.
Building from the back key to Nottingham Forest’s success
Football Insider verdict
Just like the previous season, a focus on defence first will be vital to the club’s success next campaign, considering they are set to battle continentally as well as domestically.
The acquisition of Jair Cunha from Botafogo has added to the backline and the Brazilian fold in the squad.
Moreover, Espirito Santo has acted quick to replace Anthony Elanga who signed for Newcastle, lining up Bologna’s Dan Ndoye who is set to have his medical this week (The Guardian).
The Switzerland international scored eight times in 30 appearances in Serie A and will add some extra firepower and creativity at the City Ground.
It remains to be seen whether Evangelos Marinakis digs into his pockets to sign a back-up striker to Chris Wood following links to Brentford’s Yoane Wissa who could join Newcastle instead.
At 33-years-old, it is a big ask for the New Zealander to play twice a week, suggesting Forest will need to find a rotation option to support the number 11.
Taiwo Awoniyi is capable, but his sole goal in the Premier League last year indicates the team depended on Wood too much last time out.
Another forward, whether he plays together with the ex-Burnley front man or rotates with him, would be a wise choice given the flurry of fixtures with European football to play.