Chelsea striker Liam Delap has overlooked Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk when naming his toughest opponent, instead selecting Nottingham Forest defender Murillo. The former Ipswich forward dismissed choosing the Dutchman as a 'stereotypical answer', opting for the Brazilian centre-back instead.
Delap, 23, has established himself as one of the Premier League's most highly-rated defenders following his pivotal role in Forest's impressive campaign last season. With Murillo marshalling the defence, Nuno Espirito Santo steered the City Ground outfit into European competition, ending their absence from competing alongside the continent's elite clubs.
It represents an unusual snub for Van Dijk, who has become widely recognised as one of the modern era's finest defenders in England's top division. The 34-year-old has been discussed alongside Premier League legends such as Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, yet the Chelsea forward doesn't consider him the most challenging opponent he's encountered.
"You know who I really like? Murillo, at Forest," said Delap. "I have [played against Van Dijk], but I think that's the stereotypical answer. Obviously he's top, but I really like Murillo."
Murillo has been linked as a potential defensive recruit for several of the Premier League's traditional powerhouses, including Liverpool and Chelsea. The commanding defender has been forthright when addressing speculation about joining some of the division's biggest sides.
