Scout Report – Gustavo Viera
Uruguay’s Luis Suarez was one of the finest strikers Liverpool have had in recent years. In 2013-14 season, Suarez almost helped Liverpool win their first League title since 1989-90, but the infamous blip against Crystal Palace saw them lose the title to Manchester City. After three brilliant seasons at Anfield, Suarez was lured away by Barcelona in 2014.
One teenager is drawing comparisons to Suarez and there aren’t any surprises to see Liverpool interested in the player. According to reports, Liverpool are interested in signing promising Uruguayan youngster Gustavo Viera.
The 16-year-old young gun is currently plying his trade in his homeland with the Reds’ namesake, Liverpool Montevideo. He has been catching the eye of many with some stellar displays in his native, and it looks as though a big move is on the cards for the striker. Viera has also succeeded in grabbing the interest of Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp.
Let us take a look at his profile and understand why he is so highly rated across Europe.
Origin
Born on October 21, 2000 in Montevideo, Uruguay, Viera started his professional football career at the age of 16 with Liverpool Montevideo academy in 2017. The striker looks miles ahead of players of his age and is currently a part of Uruguay’s U-17 team, with three appearances and a goal already under his banner.
The youngster, nicknamed the “New Luiz Suarez”, has been making waves since breaking into the first-team at his club. The club’s sporting director Gonzalo Mattos feels Viera, who is currently training with the first team, is a special talent and should be heading to Europe in a short while.
What Does He Offer?
Blessed with extraordinary pace and top physical-level ability for someone so young, Viera certainly looks set for the long run. Standing at 1.75m, he isn’t sort of a tall bulky striker and the 16-year-old prefers playing as a centre-forward. He can be compared to Barcelona striker and his compatriot Suarez with regards to the style of play.
While he idolises Suarez, he is also a massive fan of ex-Chelsea striker Didier Drogba. Fast and powerful, the youngster has made his name by the sheer explosive moments he can produce on the field. Comfortable with the ball at his feet, and aggressive and pacy when facing a challenging situation, Viera has impressed in the little (8 games) that we have seen of him so far.
The Uruguayan has also showed great intelligence in making runs in behind the defences from the inside left-channels as well. Not the tallest of the players, he puts his low centre of gravity to good use to get out of tight spaces. He plays with a grace that very few young forwards possess.
However, Viera has to work on his technique, which is poor when compared to other aspects of the game.
What Does The Future Hold?
Viera, who was a part of the Copa South America U-17, has appeared in all the 8 games for Liverpool Montevideo and has certainly shown flashes of his incredible potential. After bursting into the club’s first team, there is no reason to get shocked that Europe’s heavyweights are starting to sit up and take notice.
At such a tender age, Viera may struggle to play in Europe because of its physicality and taxing nature. Scouts from Everton, Liverpool, Juventus and Barcelona have tracked him and given his age, they consider him as a part of their long-term plans.
In the aforementioned clubs, Viera won’t walk into their first-team anytime soon, but he could prove to be an asset and could develop into a fantastic footballer. He is considered as one of South America’s hottest prospects and if the Reds are to make a genuine move for Viera, they will need to fend off a lot of competition.
With time, Viera is also going to get better, and who knows, Liverpool could get their next Luis Suarez!