The Russian lower leagues rarely get much media attention, but there is a bright star lighting up the second tier at FC Tyumen. Cleyton Rafael Lima da Silva has arrived from Portuguese top flight side Académica Coimbra with some big game experience and is already showing why he is an priceless commodity at this level. Most teams have a small handful of foreign players, and perhaps one or two have some major international experience, but very few have the raw talent that Cleyton has. Despite being used to the sub-tropical heat of the Paraná region of Brazil and the continental warmth of northern Portugal, he has adapted to the temperamental Siberian ‘summer’ exceptionally well.
Playing History
Cleyton began his career with Iraty in the Brazilian Paranaense State league, and showed incredible composure for a man at such a young age. He dictated play from a central midfield role where he demanded possession in a notoriously aggressive league, and showed the self-confidence that would raise his profile. He has never been a goalscoring midfielder in the mould of Frank Lampard, as his return of six goals in 104 professional matches in the last four and a bit seasons shows. His performances on dried out bumpy pitches in his home country were striking enough to lead him down the conventional path to Europe via the Portuguese league.
His highlights at the stadium where Wayne Rooney temporarily became the youngest European Championships goalscorer against Switzerland included beating current La Liga champions Atlético Madrid 2-0 and facing last season’s Champions League side Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League. After two seasons in the Liga Sagres, he made the decidedly unconventional switch to the FNL with newly-promoted FC Tyumen on loan, where he has flourished on a smoother artificial surface.
Style of Play
The nearest player one could compare Cleyton to would be a central Angel Di Maria, with his magnificent ball control and direct running style. He is an unselfish playmaker who can change the pace of the game in an instant, and he is surprisingly committed in the tackle. In his first 15-minute cameo in Russia, he won all seven of his headers despite standing only 1.74m tall and weighing in at 63kg. He is not a stereotypical lightweight Brazilian magician who shirks his defensive responsibilities.
Strengths
His mastery of the ball is mesmerising; for individual ball skill, he is up there with the very best in Europe, which is sure to get him noticed before long. After a matter of seconds on his debut for FC Tyumen, he had turned on the spot with the ball glued to his feet and had beaten three static defenders. His direct running at pace causes headaches for opposition players, and even when he settles for the simple option he does so without wasting valuable time in delivering the pass. For a diminuitive frame, he possesses admirable fearlessness, and he is not afraid to carry the ball into tight spaces to create an opening for a team mate. Perhaps his most important asset is his instinct; he rarely hangs onto the ball for too long, and has an impressive range of passing into space for his forwards to run onto.
Weaknesses
Consistency. His time in Portugal saw violent swings in form as he disappeared in some games, and in the second half of both seasons he only completed 90 minutes five times in total. His physical size can be a problem if the opposition employ a dedicated man marker to hassle him – his average of a yellow card every four and a half games means a suspension is never far away as he can let less cultured players get under his skin. Stamina issues mean he can flag towards the end of games, but as his impact is so explosive when he is on form it rarely matters too much. He can drift out of games when things are frustrating his team mates.
Prospects For This Season
His temporary move to Siberia looks like being a survival season, at best mid table security, so he is sure to be the standout figure, although his mental strength will be tested to the limit as results inevitably won’t go FC Tyumen’s way week in week out. He is virtually leader by proclamation though, as his popularity is already through the roof, so it will do him some good to be the big fish in a smaller pond to boost his confidence, and his ego. He is being played in a more advanced position than his days at Iraty, so will be more likely to score a few as he supports the lone striker Evgeniy Savin, which will only boost his value and his profile. Unfortunately his opportunity to grab the limelight against a Premier League side this season has gone, as Tyumen crashed out of the Russian Cup to Second Division Syzran 2003 – it would have been fascinating to see how he coped with a higher calibre of opponent.
Long Term Future
Unless a miraculous upturn in form bestows itself upon his current club, they are unlikely to be able to entice him to stay another season, although as parent club Académica are struggling in the early stages of the Primeira Liga he may appreciate the continuity. Tyumen are certain to strengthen significantly to ensure a stronger campaign next season, which may be enough to persuade him to stay, especially as managing director Alexander Popov has publically announced his intention to see the club reach the Premier League before the World Cup arrives in Russia. More realistically, he could interest a mid-table top flight side such as Mordovia Saransk or Krasnodar if he shows enough consistency this season, or at least a promoted side, which could end up being Anzhi Makhachkala or Tom Tomsk, both of whom are established sides who came down from the Premier League in June.
Verdict
This season is crucial for Cleyton if he wants to become a genuine top level star. Although still only 24, he can’t afford another season treading water if he struggles to maintain his form this season. His effect on a game is staggering when he’s in the mood, and when he feels the affection of the crowd he relishes the challenge. Expect a breakthrough season very soon in a higher profile league – a man of his talent deserves the biggest of stages to shine on.