Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Alisson and Fernandinho dominated the headlines in 2018, so which brilliant Brazilians will make the breakthrough in 2019?
5 – Renan Lodi, Athletico Paranaense
Lodi is merely 20-years-old, and Italian giants Juventus are reportedly already interested in in securing his services. Renan is seen as the most promising Brazilian left-back, with the ability to make long runs and supporting the attack, demonstrated by his three assists in league action, last season.
[fve]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKW89x_Uwo8&feature=youtu.be[/fve]
4 – Gabigol, Internazionale
Gabigol’s initial European experience did not go too well, as he never started any Serie A matches nor had enough game-time to show his worth. Since then, he has returned to Brazil and impressed at Santos, finishing the season as the league’s leading goalscorer with 18 goals.
The 22-year-old will not be staying at Inter, with rumors already strongly linking him with a move to the England Premier League and West Ham. If he avoids the mistake of joining a side without being sure that he would be given enough opportunities, then Gabriel could well finally make it in the European continent.
[fve]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl2CgrvwpNU[/fve]
3 – Lincoln, Flamengo
Lincoln did not score any goals in the Brazilian league in 2018, which is never great news for a striker. However, with more first team opportunities, he will have a much better year this time around. Despite only recently turning 18, many scouts from Italian teams have already expressed their interest, mainly Internazionale who at some stage, reportedly offered Gabigol to Flamengo, in the hope of including Lincoln in the deal.
2 – Rodrygo Goes, Santos and Real Madrid
Real Madrid secured the services of Rodrygo shortly after having signed Vinícius Júnior. And with the latter’s rather impressive debut season at the Santiago Bernabéu, the Champions of Europe will be encouraged to give chances to Goes.
The teenager is expected to stay at Santos until the summer, and then join Madrid for pre-season, just like Vinícius did. With his impressive close control and dribbling skills in one-on-one situations, Rodrygo Goes can reach stardom by working on improving his end product this year.
[fve]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pRf95R3E4s[/fve]
1 – Lucas Paquetá, AC Milan
Ricardo Kaká was so brilliant during his time in Italy, that Milan fans still adore him and dream of finding his Brazilian heir. While Lucas Paquetá is admittedly nowhere near the legendary level that his compatriot has once shown, he is still a remarkable talent regardless of that.
[fve]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_6-WjMH5N0&feature=youtu.be[/fve]
The attacking midfielder is a natural goalscorer, with the evidence of having found the back of the net on ten different occasions in the Brasileirão 2018. Milan’s midfield is crowded, but Lucas can provide technicality and creativity, two aspects that are always in demand. The San Siro is eager to witness some Brazilian flair again, and the Brazil international can provide that.
