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A Brazilian With Thunderous Left-foot – Scouting Arsenal And Chelsea Target Anderson Talisca

Salvador is well known for its pristine beach, the world’s biggest “carnaval” and also for being the centre for Capoeira in modern times. If there is one thing that the city isn’t known for of late, is its footballers. That might all change in no time. After helping his side win the Campeonato Baiano last season, attacking midfielder Anderson Talisca looks ready to take Europe by storm. So who is this 20-year-old? Why are Chelsea and Arsenal after him? Does he have what it takes to succeed in Europe?

Career history

Born in Feira de Santana, Salvador in 1994, Anderson Souza Conceição, commonly known as Anderson Talisca started his footballing career at a young age. At the age of 15, he joined Brazilian club Bahia’s youth academy. It was here that he would go onto show the world what he is made of. He won the Toulon tournament with Brazil in 2013 and made his first-team debut later that same year.

Talisca’s professional debut was against Corinthians last year and after a successful season, he moved to Portuguese club FC Benfica. Since moving to Portugal, Talisca has started like a house on fire and is currently leading scorer in the Liga Sagres this season.

Style of Play

Often used on the wings to make use of his blistering pace, Talisca is a very versatile attacker and can play anywhere in attack. Standing at 6’2, he isn’t your stereotypical, short, nimble-footed winger, but a player who can whip crosses in from the wings, play through balls in for teammates when playing centrally or score goals when playing as a second striker. His dead ball ability is another reason why he is regarded as one of the brightest young talents to come out of Brazil.

Strengths

Talisca’s biggest strength is without a doubt, his cannon of a left foot. Not only does he have the ability to bamboozle defenders with his trickery, but he can also unleash a venomous shot from distance or whips balls in from the wings. The Brazilian attacker is in a way similar to a young Cristiano Ronaldo, a tall young attacker who can beat defenders at will, but also has a cracking shot on him. Unlike most Brazilian attackers, the 20-year-old is pretty good in the air and is also more than capable of holding onto the ball. While his dribbling might not always pay off, he has that “x-factor” that will leave defenders wondering what he is going to do next. His delivery from set pieces is another asset he has in his arsenal.

Weaknesses

If there is one thing that the Brazilian has to work on, it is not turn possession over cheaply. Although he is very good at holding onto the ball, when he is dribbling, often he can be guilty of trying to do too much and losing the ball and that is something he must harp down on, if he is to truly fulfil his potential.

Possible destinations

Although he only just moved to Benfica a few months ago, his impressive start to European football has already seen plenty of clubs clamouring for his signature. Chelsea and Arsenal are the two clubs who are in pole position right now to snap up the talented attacker and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he moved to the Premier League, sooner rather than later.

Verdict

Talent alone isn’t enough to be a successful footballer, what you need, aside from it is the application and Talisca has certainly got that in spades. If he continues to develop at the current rate, there is no doubt that he has what it takes to be one of the finest Brazilian attackers, of his generation. If there is one thing a lot of young players are often guilty of, is leaving their club too early. Although the 20-year-old left Bahia at the perfect time, he must first ensure that he is a regular fixture in the Benfica line up and stay for at least a couple of years, before moving on and warming the bench at one of the glamorous.

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