Leandro Castán backs Brazil defence, says Murillo is among the world’s best | OneFootball

Brazil began their World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Morocco at the New York/New Jersey Stadium. Former Corinthians defender Leandro Castán praised Carlo Ancelotti’s centre-backs but said the squad missed Murillo, now at Nottingham Forest.

"I believe Marquinhos and Gabriel are in great form, our defence is well served," he said. "Murillo, for me, is one of the best centre-backs in the world today," he told Gazeta Esportiva.

The 23-year-old was called only once, by then coach Dorival Júnior for the March 2025 window. Unused in the 2-1 win over Colombia, he started the 4-1 loss to Argentina five days later, was withdrawn at half-time, and the result contributed to Dorival’s exit before he took over Corinthians the next month.

A Corinthians academy graduate, Murillo debuted in April 2023 against Remo in the Copa do Brasil. He moved to Nottingham Forest that August for €12 million, with Corinthians retaining 30% of his rights.

His form in England has attracted European interest, and a move this window is not ruled out. Corinthians would receive 10% of any profit on a future sale and solidarity payments, although that may drop if a deal happens after he turns 24 in July.

Without Murillo among the 26, Ancelotti’s picks include Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos and Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães. Léo Pereira, Bremer and Ibañez were also called. Brazil, in Group C, face Haiti on Friday at 21:30, then finish on 24 against Scotland at 19:00 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.

Source: Meu Timao