Top 5 Brazilian U-23 players

#4 Gerson

Gerson also plies his trade in Europe with Italian club Roma

The youngest entry on this list is Gerson Santos da Silva, commonly known as Gerson. An attacking midfielder by trade, Gerson commenced his playing career at Fluminense.

Born in Belford Roxo, the youngster was first promoted to the senior squad in August 2014 and such is his talent that Italian club Roma shelled out €16 million for his services. Spanish clubs Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were both interested along with Juventus, and the Catalan club even had first option on the youngster but could not match Roma’s bid.

(Video Courtesy: ScoutNationHD YouTube Channel)

Gerson is an extremely versatile midfielder, and can play as a right attacking midfielder, as a No.10 and even as a deep-lying playmaker. His skill, especially his exquisite passing ability has conjured comparisons with the likes of Yaya Toure and Paul Pogba. His box to box capabilities has brought out an exciting opportunity in the Brazilian national team.

Brazil is a squad full of attacking talent, but in terms of quality central midfielders, the team is low in numbers. Besides Fernandinho, who is 31 now, Brazil’s recognised options in the centre of the park are Casemiro and Paulinho and this presents Gerson an opportunity to grow into Brazil’s solution for this position for years to come. For now, we wait with anxiousness to see if the potential turns into reality.