Evangelos Marinakis deserves credit for building a powerful spine in the Nottingham Forest squad, something that could potentially be added to in the summer.
Defensively, Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic have become one of the Premier League’s top centre back duo’s which is remarkable given the small fee Marinakis paid for both.
Signing this summer, Milenkovic cost Forest just £12 million from Fiorentina, whilst in the previous summer transfer window, Forest paid a reported £14 million for Murillo, combining to form a Champions League-ready defensive duo for under £30 million.
The strength of the spine continues further forward as well, with Elliot Anderson signing from Newcastle United to create an energetic midfield that has adequately supported the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood further forward.
However, with European football seemingly on the horizon, this spine looks set to be improved even further as Forest target another cost-effective addition.
Photo by Franco Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Franco Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Nottingham Forest set their sights on Thomas Kristensen
Murillo and Milenkovic will undoubtedly remain the premier central defensive pair in the Forest squad, but extra additions will come in handy if and when multiple games are played per week.
The Forest owner clearly understands this, as according to Caught Offside, Udinese defender Thomas Kristensen has emerged as a possible target.
The report said: “Premier League clubs Everton, West Ham United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest have had their scouts closely following the Denmark international’s [Kristensen’s] performance.
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“There is a belief within the industry that these clubs can complete the transfer of the highly-rated 23-year-old for a figure of around €15-20m [£17 million].
“Kristensen cost just €5m for Udinese to sign two years ago, but his fine form in Serie A has seen him double his market value and attract plenty of interest from clubs in England and also within Italy.”
At a colossal six-foot-six, Kristensen would clearly bring a commanding presence to the Reds’ backline, but his statistics for Udinese this season suggest that he is more than just his height.
Thomas Kristensen has shown complete defensive attributes for Udinese
In a solid tenth place in the Serie A table, Udinese have had a respectable season with Kristensen at the heart of all the good things from a defensive perspective.
Statistic Thomas Kristensen for Udinese this season
Tackles won % 73.7%
Aerial duels won per 90 3.07
Dribbled past per 90 0.38
Pass completion % 82.6%
Dribbles success % 87.5%
Thomas Kristensen’s impressive season in numbers
Whilst not as talented on the ball as Murillo, Kristensen has both a respectable pass and dribble completion percentage in the Serie A this season, proving that he could more than hold his own should the Brazilian ever be injured.
The 23-year-old could also step in seamlessly for Milenkovic, with a strong three aerial duels won per game on average, suggesting that he is in control of the situation when balls are there to be defended in the box.
It looks likely that the Reds will experience competition for Kristensen should they look to bring him to the City Ground, but his stats show that he has the desired blend of both Murillo and Milenkovic to be a true asset to the Forest coaching staff.