Six Brazil stars to watch: Tim Vickery profiles six stars to follow Gabriel Jesus to the Premier League
Teenager Gabriel Jesus has moved to Manchester City from Palmeiras... South American football expert Tim Vickery profiles six stars from Brazil who could be next to attract interest from Premier League clubs
IT HAS been eclipsed, and rightfully and understandably so, by the Chapecoense air disaster.
But this year’s Brazilian Championship has been won by Palmeiras – whose star player, striker Gabriel Jesus, will now be joining up with Manchester City.
With five goals in six games, the 19 year old has made a big impact on the senior Brazil side in World Cup qualification – evidence that he should be ready to make a smooth transition to the Premier League.
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But it is not a foregone conclusion. Jonathan Calleri, from Argentina, was a frequent marksman in his brief spell in Brazil with Sao Paulo.
He has hardly set the world on fire since joining West Ham. With so many players sold abroad, the quality of domestic Brazilian football has fallen dramatically over the last two decades.
Top goalscorer in the league this season is Fred, now 32, the centre forward who flopped so dismally in the World Cup.
Just behind him come the likes of former international strikers Grafite, 37, ex Manchester City star Robinho, 32, and Ricardo Oliveira, 36.
In such a scenario it is not always easy to tell who is ready to step up to the Premier League. The following list is made up of six of the best bets.
YERRY MINA (22, Palmeiras)
It is amazing that this giant Colombian centre back has not yet been picked up by a European club.
With Santa Fe in his native land he did well in two versions of the Copa Libertadores, the Champions League equivalent, as well as winning the Copa Sudamericana, the local version of the Europa League.
And this year he has been a key part of the tightest defensive unit in the league. Commanding in the air, quick across the ground, keeps things simple and can lead the charge out of defence.
Recently became first choice for his country (5 caps, 1 goal), which would help him secure a work permit.
LUCAS LIMA (26, Santos)
Decision time is fast approaching for this left-footed midfielder.
He was a late developer who did not really shine until 2014, and what makes his interesting is his capacity to organise the midfield, to build the play from deep as well as play the killer ball in the last 30 metres.
Lucas Lima has already rejected an offer from China in the hope of a move to Europe. He has 12 Brazil caps and 2 goals, including the equaliser away to Argentina in a World Cup qualifier, making it more surprising that he is still on this side of the Atlantic.
LUAN (23, Gremio)
Brazil’s campaign in the Olympic tournament got off to a disastrous start, and picked up from the moment that this rangy, talented and intelligent striker was brought into the team.
More of a second striker than an out-and-out centre forward, he was highly praised by the great Tostao, a 1970 legend who is now the wisest voice in the Brazilian game.
A player of clever passes rather than an exuberant dribbler, he has now played three solid seasons with Gremio and may have reached the right time to move on. He has interested Leicester City.
GIORGIAN DE ARRASCAETA (22, Cruzeiro)
Very talented Uruguayan playmaker, a graduate of the side who lost to France in the final of the 2013 World Under-20 Cup who has gone on to win six senior caps, scoring one goal.
He is currently behind Gaston Ramirez of Middlesbrough in the queue to play for Uruguay in World Cup qualification.
But though he does not have his rival’s booming left foot, he is more dynamic and versatile, a quick little figure capable of passing the ball in an arc of 360 degrees.
Perhaps he is being wasted at his current club, and is capable of better.
WALLACE (21, Gremio)
Another of Brazil’s Olympic gold medal heroes, Wallace was the central midfielder who balanced out the side, tall and strong, commanding and improving in possession.
He has been outstanding in his team’s run to the final of the Brazilian Cup, and some have been calling for him to be called up to the senior national team.
RODRIGO CAIO (23, Sao Paulo)
Classy, technically gifted centre back who can also play in defensive midfield, which may be his long term position. Another member of the gold medal winning Olympic team.
Has been in and around the senior squad and has one full cap. Also has an Italian passport. A move to Valencia broke down last year on medical grounds, but his subsequently proved his fitness.
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