When Brazilian coach Mano Menezes released his Olympic squad, one thought came to mind: the potential in his squad is incredible. When combined with the brilliance of Hulk and Alexandre Pato up front, and with PSGs latest acquisition Thiago Silva and Marcelo at the back, Brazil have earned themselves the right to be favourites for the tournament, over the young starlets of Spain. Here is a background of the young Brazilian stars who many believe have the potential to be big in Europe (you may recognise some names from playing Football Manager!).
Ganso- Age 22, Santos-A regular for Santos since 2008, Ganso has frequently been the subject of transfer rumours to Europe, including more recently an alleged £30 million move to Arsenal. Injuries and bad form at the Club World Cup will mean Ganso is desperate to prove himself on the world stage. He has made 8 senior appearances for Brazil to date.
Lucas Moura- Age 19, Sao Paulo- Moura has been the subject of a reported £20 million bid from Manchester United, though Sao Paulo are said to value the player nearer to the £30 million mark, a huge amount for a 19 year old. Links to Inter Milan were swiftly denied by Sao Paulo chairman, who denied Inter made a bid claiming they were “broke”. He has amassed 15 caps for the senior side and will be a key player for the Olympic side.
Oscar- Age 20, Internacional- He became the first player to score a hat trick in the FIFA Under 20 World Cup final. Chelsea and Tottenham have been monitoring Oscar, with reports emerging of an agreed £25 million fee agreed with Chelsea, though Oscar recently denied this from his Olympic camp. A move to the Premier league does however seem inevitable. To date he has made 6 senior appearances.
Leandro Damiao- Age 22, Internacional- When asked who would fill Ronaldo’s boots at the 2014 World Cup, Ronaldo selected Damiao, stating his strength, height and finishing ability as reasons why. Though he began his career as a midfielder, he swiftly moved into a more attacking role, and won his first major title in 2010 when his Internacional side won the Copa Libertadore. He has been the subject of continued interest from Tottenham, dating back two years ago when a £12 million bid was rejected. He has 9 senior caps to date, and may either partner or rival Pato for a starting place in attack.
Neymar- Age 20, Santos- Does he need an introduction? Pele has claimed that while Messi has more experience, Neymar is already a better player, a huge statement. In 2010, West Ham had a £12 million bid rejected, which would have been an enormous coup at the time. He has 9 senior goals in his 18 appearances, and has 42 goals in 88 appearances for Santos, an incredible feat for a 20 year old. Many believe he would only leave Santos for Real Madrid or Barcelona, though the latter seems more likely. A 5/1 favourite for the Golden Boot.
Alex Sandro- Age 21, Porto- Sandro is one player who has already made the move to Europe. Porto saw enough potential in Sandro to splash out €9.6 million in the summer of 2011, which included a whopping €50 million release clause. Sandro is a typical Brazilian fullback, who prefers to attack than defend. He made his debut for Brazil under 20s when he was just 18, and went on to make a further 9 appearances for them. He was loaned out to Santos for the 2011-12 season from Atletico Paranaense, and made 31 appearances for a team which clinched the Copa Libertadores. He may solve the ongoing left back issue for the senior side in the long run.
Here is the full Olympic squad
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Gavin Beard