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Liverpool identify Van Dijk successor with 47.1% aerial duel win rate – report

Murillo has been touted as a potential long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool. Pete O’Rourke at Football Insider reports that both Chelsea and Liverpool have joined the race to sign the Nottingham Forest defender next year. However, the…

Published: Sunday, 4 October 2026 at 12:29 PM
Liverpool identify Van Dijk successor with 47.1% aerial duel win rate – report
Key Things to Know
  • Liverpool and Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign Nottingham Forest defender Murillo as a potential Van Dijk successor.
  • Nottingham Forest are not open to striking a permanent transfer deal for Murillo in the January window.
  • The Empire of the Kop argues Murillo's 47.1% duel win rate raises questions about his suitability to replace Van Dijk.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Liverpool and Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign Nottingham Forest defender Murillo next year as a potential permanent successor to Virgil van Dijk. According to Pete O'Rourke at Football Insider, Nottingham Forest are unwilling to agree to a transfer during the upcoming January window.

The Empire of the Kop questions Murillo's capability to fill Van Dijk's role, pointing to statistics such as his 47.1% duel win rate and 52.9% aerial duel win rate compared to Van Dijk's 71.4%. The outlet suggests Murillo is better suited as a squad option rather than a primary target.

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