The footballing country of Brazil is famed for its extraordinary talents and potentials as far as the roundleather game goes. Pele, Ronaldo, Kaka, Ronaldinho, Cafu, Marcelo, Dida to mention a few are legends the south American country has produced in various positions across the pitch.
Many European clubs rely on the genius of the football exports Brazil has in stock, and the results have been trophies, titles and records for a lot of these clubs. In the EPL at the moment, the Brazilian contingent of Coutinho, Firmino, Willian, and Fernandinho have contributed to the success of their respective clubs, in the recent past and at the moment.
It might just be time for Arsenal to jump on the bandwagon and recruit some of these talents to reach untold heights once again. With the Brazilian Serie A season ending in December, just maybe landing these extraordinary talents come January is what Arsenal need to finally get it right, and here are 2 top potentials who have got it takes to help them with just exactly that.
Rodrigo Caio
Football Background/C.V
One of Brazil’s biggest clubs, Sao Paulo, boasts of this talented 23-year-old within its ranks. A defensive midfielder who doubles as a central half, Caio started his professional career at the club having gained promotion from its famous youth Academy. Also able to play in right back, the 2016 Olympic Gold medalist shot into national limelight during a game against Santos 4 years ago.
A certain Neymar known for his ability to unsettle defences with ease found it hard to go past Caio on the wings, no matter the flick, trick or move he attempted pulling off. So why is the one-time capped Brazil international still stuck home despite being in an age-range where his contemporaries are already established forces in Europe?
2 failed medicals with Valencia just a year after a career-threatening anterior cruciate ligament hindered his switch to the continent last summer, but his days are still numbered in Brazil having overcome his setbacks and put it impressive work ever since.
Style of Play
His defensive abilities have seen him earn comparisons with the country’s legend, one time captain and erstwhile Samba boys coach Dunga. The Sao Paulo captain is not only tough in tackling, but also adept on the ball.
Caio is a great interceptor of the ball just as much as he is a great blocker. An excellent dribbler who loves to play precise short passes, he also does well in winning aerial duels and he is a threat at indirect set-pieces.
Where will he fit in
Bellerin might have a keen competition for his spot in the Brazilian versatile player, and that will be an exciting prospect to watch. Caio’s primary role is in defensive midfield, and his defensive abilities on the ball without being rough could make him the next Gilberto Silva for Arsenal. In the eventuality of the need to rest one of the central backs, injury or to replace an ageing 31-year-old Koscielny, Caio makes a perfect fit.
Luis Henrique
Football Background/C.V
The 18-year-old Botafogo forward already once attracted Arsenal due to his qualities and promising abilities. He only made his professional debut last year, bagging a brace in the process in a match against Sampaio Corrêa.
Henrique’s contributions helped secure promotion for Botafogo from the Brazilian Serie B, and his steady growth continues to establish him as a future world star. He was an integral member of the squad that represented Brazil at the Under-17 World Cup last year, but couldn’t help them past the quarters.
Style of play
Luis Henrique’s pace and sublime finishes stand him out in the crowd, and he is known to exploit spaces when it comes to counter attacks.
Where will he fit in
Despite still having a lot of development to undergo, his arrival could help challenge other forwards as he often shows his hunger to contribute a great deal to the team’s attack. Henrique is an out-and-out striker, and will provide a quality backup off the bench.