You know when an exotic name pops up as the ‘next big thing’ and some diminutive Brazilian forward you’ve never heard of suddenly (artificially?) becomes the most feverishly coveted star on this big hideous circle we call earth, and then usually disappears again? Yeah, you know that? Well here’s the latest one doing rounds.
Linked to a Premier League move last year, and now having his name chucked around the rumour mill once more – with Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City allegedly showing interest – it’s the infamous, the legendary… Dentinho!
Indeed, last summer his agent, Ferhat Ciftci, indicated Dentinho was extremely keen on a move to England, whilst also stating “It doesn’t make a difference if it’s Arsenal or Manchester United” (delightfully reassuring news for both clubs, I’m sure). This week it’s been reported that the young striker has been made available by current club Corinthians, sparking interest from the plethora of previously mentioned suitors and engendering a potential bidding war.
So, let’s have a quick look at who on earth this new prodigy is, when we play ‘Dentin-who’. (‘A man who could make so vile a pun would not scruple to pick a pocket’: John Dennis, 1781).
Well, he is actually a highly-rated player, so my garbled introduction was probably a little gratuitous. Born in São Paulo, he’s spent his professional career thus far exclusively with for Corinthians in the Campeonato Brasileiro. Progressing quickly and impressively through the Bando de Loucos youth system, he was duly handed his first taste of first-team football in 2007 during a pressurised derby against Palmeiras. Still only 21-years-old, he has since become an important driving force for the side despite his relative youth.
A striker of evident technical ability and pace, he has added greater confidence to his game in recent years and drives at defenders with speed and dexterity. Despite his talent, his goal scoring record is not exactly prolific. His greatest haul thus far came in the Brazilian second division in 2008, with Corinthians gaining promotion and Dentinho netting 14 times. This respectable tally ensured he was the clubs joint top scorer that season, but he often fails to reach double figures as a season total.
For a young player most regularly deployed as a second striker, this may not be a massive problem as his pace and trickery can be a useful attacking asset for the team generally, whilst his versatility also ensures he can be adeptly utilized as a winger. However, his relatively slight frame (5ft 9) may cause further concerns when faced with the bustle of the British game.
Nonetheless, his representative has been quick to dismiss such anxieties and was quoted as saying: “I think he can cope with every style. He can adapt very well and is on the other side able to put his stamp on every game he plays in. His skills and abilities add to the strength of every team he has played in so far and made the teams harder to beat.” (from Sport.co.uk).
Having been compared to the likes of Robinho and Douglas Costa, and duly representing Brazil under-20 side on a number of occasions, he is allegedly attracting acute transfer attention.
It’s understood that a release clause in the region of £30million is incorporated into his current contract. However there is no way any prospective transfer would actually fetch this amount – at least it really shouldn’t unless you’ve got more money than sense, you f**kin spoilt s**t – and a vastly reduced deal would be likely if, indeed, any deal at all was to materialise.
In addition to Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City, Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are thought to be surveying the situation.
A player of potential, the next few years will prove a vital juncture in his career….worth the gamble?
Anyway, here’s a link to a favourable clip (if you can be bothered to click).
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About the Author
Was immense on football manager
I think any top player moving to Manchester City at this time is taking a career risk. Manchester City is going to have many good players on the bench. A top player could see out the season with little action on the field. It is also going to take more than this coming season for all the new players to gel into an efficient unit. Players going to Manchester City are risking their careers to get a good salary.