Are Murillo and Milenkovic Forest's 'best ever' defensive partnership?

"I haven't watched a better pairing at the back than Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic in my 50 years of watching Forest."

That is the claim of former England and Nottingham Forest midfielder Steve Hodge, speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up and Show More Football podcast.

"I really mean that - pound for pound what they are as footballers and as a pair," he added. "They have everything. As a pair, they complement each other perfectly and they both seem to be calm characters even under severe pressure."

Hodge went on to mention Larry Lloyd alongside Kenny Burns and Des Walker with various partners as those who Murillo and Milenkovic have surpassed.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side are enjoying a fantastic season and harbour genuine hopes of finishing in a Champions League qualification place. Their stunning form has propelled them to 40 points and third place after 20 games has been built on a solid defence.

Forest's nine clean sheets is the most in the Premier League and only Arsenal have conceded fewer goals - 18 to 19.

Only relegation-threatened Wolves [232] have made more tackles in their defensive third than the Reds' 226 and Manchester United's 215 interceptions is the only tally that eclipses their 195.

Forest lead the division in clearances [575] and have made the second fewest errors leading to an opposition shot [nine] behind Crystal Palace's eight.

So why are Milenkovic and Murillo so essential to this solidity?

"They have everything," said Hodge. "In the air Milenkovic is a giant, Murillo has a great spring for a smaller player and is quick over the ground. Milenkovic is no slouch either - he can turn and is quite mobile.

"They can both use the ball effectively when they need to and Murillo's pace gets them out of trouble."

What do you think? Are they the best? And if not, who is?

Let us know