But soon the top European clubs will fight for them.
The Brazilian national team is perhaps going through different moments. But the footballers of this country are always precious and occupy important positions in European clubs; for them there is always a struggle. With modern scouting technologies, wealthy Europeans are trying to recruit talented Brazilians as soon as possible. But minimizing the risk of missing. Usually a talented Brazilian is kept at his club until the age of 22, and then lured to Europe. And then some “take off”, while others are unable to resist the new test.
We have collected those Brazilian footballers under the age of 21 inclusive, who may soon find themselves in Europe and in a couple of years threaten to reach the global level of stardom. Take a closer look. The main condition for entering the ranking is to play for a Brazilian club at the moment and the highest talent.
10. Alexander (Fluminense, midfielder, 20 years old, estimated cost – 4 million euros)
The injury prevented him from playing in the Youth World Cup and interrupted his development at Fluminense. But next year he could be a key player in this team. He is very versatile for his age. He started as a left back, was a striker in the Brazilian youth team, and then settled in midfield, where his versatility and intelligence allowed him to cover his teammates and connect to attacks in a timely manner. But versatility at such an early age can also become a problem if he still fails to highlight his individuality and style.
9. Luis Guilherme (Palmeiras, winger, 17 years old, estimated cost – 7 million euros)
A winger with huge potential, he has had great game experience this year and should make a breakthrough next year. He has extraordinary acceleration, dribbling ability in tight spaces and a magical left foot. But you need to “pump” your right leg, as well as your creativity when you get out of a difficult situation. Somewhat similar in simplicity to Doku or Anthony.
8. Gabriel Moscardo (Corinthians, midfielder, 18 years old, estimated cost – 1.5 million euros)
He is a strong and balanced defensive midfielder, who was only introduced into the main team this year and immediately established himself. A bit similar in game to Declan Rice. He is good with the ball, capable of making a clear pass forward and connecting the team’s lines. He sometimes faces selections without thinking about it, which can create problems. Well, at this age playing as a defender means that you need to gain experience to be able to make the right decisions at the right time.
7. Victor Hugo (Flamengo, midfielder, 19 years old, estimated cost – 3 million euros)
One of the brightest and most positive episodes of an unlucky year for Flamengo is Hugo’s match. He may not have the most attractive style of play, but he takes charge, holds the ball well and bursts into the box where he creates a threat. He may lack pace and defensive ability, but in more stable conditions than at Flamengo he could progress faster.
6. Lucas Beraldo (San Paolo, defender, 19 years old, estimated cost – 6 million euros)
This year the central defender earned a place in the team’s starting lineup. He also helped Sao Paulo win the Brazilian Cup. Beraldo has great ball control and knows how to make the first pass that will start a promising attack. Liverpool are already interested in him, but the club will probably keep him for some time before making an offer. There are still doubts about how much physical strength will allow him to compete in the central defender role. This is an important aspect.
5. Pablo Maia (São Paulo, midfielder, 21 years old, estimated cost – 7 million euros)
It’s usually the forwards who shine in Brazil, which is even more valuable when the young central midfielder also gets noticed. Maia established himself in the midfield of the team that won the Brazilian Cup. When he controls the ball, Maya offers herself well to her partners and focuses on maintaining possession and developing attacks. This boy is capable of playing a fundamental role in building the game from midfield.
4. John Kennedy (Fluminense, striker, 21 years old, estimated cost – 4 million euros)
As a young player he has already scored decisive goals in the Copa Libertadores and other important matches. He made his debut with Fluminense at the age of 17 and was able to acquire enough skills and knowledge to play at the highest level. He is a fast and direct attacker who can fight alongside defenders and beat them, holding on to the ball and the chance to strike until the last moment. If we talk about shortcomings, then the young man does not have the simplest character, which coaches and partners will have to deal with. And many Brazilians in Europe have been burned by their character.
3. Marcos Leonardo (Santos, striker, 20 years old, estimated cost – 17 million euros)
If there is anyone who can save Santos from relegation, it will be this young striker. So far his goals have kept the club afloat. But he is unlikely to remain in the team next season. The guys from Europe are already hunting him. He is a stocky footballer who knows how to find spaces and finish attacks. He looks like a young Sergio Aguero. The downside is that he lacks some versatility out of the box.
2. Vitor Roque (Atlético Paranaense, forward, 18 years old, estimated cost: 40 million euros)
This is one of Brazil’s greatest hopes. It is likely that we will see him very soon in Barcelona. Roque became the top scorer of the South American championship among youth teams and received a call-up to the adult national team. And in Brazil they look at him with awe. In recent years, Brazilian football has seen the emergence of many technical offensive players who gravitate towards the flanks, but few truly effective centre-forwards who combine mobility, physical strength and technique.
Roque can become such an artist. He is strong and fast, works skillfully in the penalty area and can attack from deep. Another thing is that a great test of his technique and skill will be a clash with European defenders. However, the culture of playing defense is completely different and this can break young coaches.
1. Endric (Palmeiras, winger, 17 years old, estimated cost – 72 million euros)
The fate of this talented boy has already been decided. He will go to Real Madrid in the middle of next year for around 72 million euros. The clubs are waiting for the boy to turn 18. Endric captured the world’s attention with his goal-scoring exploits for the Brazilian junior national team at the age of 15. And now he has already earned the call to the adult team.
He is a brash and flamboyant winger, willing to make unconventional decisions and suddenly accelerate. He has a rare sense of space and reading the game, which allows him to score not only as a runner. Of course, the question is how he will deal with the hype and pressure. This is important for every teenager. But the pressure of the game doesn’t bother him. Not long ago, he turned a 0:3 defeat against Botafogo into a 4:3 victory. My nerves are fine.
