Jair Cunha’s Brazil call-up sends a message to Murillo at Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

Jair Cunha has earned his first Brazil call-up after impressing for Nottingham Forest under Oliver Glasner, highlighting the standards facing Murillo. According to NY Times, Carlo Ancelotti’s staff watched the draw with Tottenham and the 21-year-old was selected for two games with Australia and one with India.

After offering only "few nice words" in a dressing-room tradition, Cunha has let actions speak. Glasner says the six ft six in defender has stood out for work rate since his July appointment.

Some at Forest might have expected Igor Jesus or Murillo instead. Murillo was first called up in November 2024, then debuted in March in Buenos Aires where Brazil lost 4-1. Booked and withdrawn at half-time at 3-1, he has not been recalled.

Glasner said players should be driven from within, not by others’ selections, and must turn wishes into goals through hard work if they want one of 26 Brazil places, citing Cunha as proof.

Against Tottenham he made eight clearances, five headed, and averages six per 90, close to the 6.7 of Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo.

Murillo is regaining sharpness after an April hamstring issue. Back since July’s Portugal camp, Glasner says his fitness is improving, he has trained throughout, played in most games, and is on track.

Cunha made six league starts and three cameos last season, including wins at Sunderland, 5-0, and Chelsea, 3-1, under Vitor Pereira. With €40 million signing Ousmane Diomande still building fitness, Cunha has been ever present and his form has earned recognition.

Source: NY Times

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