Manchester United have always been on the lookout for top class young talent in Europe so it does not come as a surprise that they are linked with some of the best talents in the world. They have been looking to add some young blood to their squad in recent times and this has linked them with stars from around Europe. One such player who is extensively linked with a move to Old Trafford is the Portuguese U20 international, Gelson Martins. His parent club Sporting are trying to tie him down to a bumper deal with a huge buyout clause but top clubs from Europe are already knocking on the door.
But who is this 21-year old and what future does he have? Here is a scout report on the Sporting CP man.
Born in Praia, Cape Verde, Martins moved to Portugal in his teens and played youth football with C.F. Benfica and Sporting Clube de Portugal. He made his professional debut for the B- side back in 2014 and has ever since been an integral part of the squad in Portugal. He was promoted to the senior side last year as he cemented a place in the side making 29 starts and scoring 4 goals. He has also made it into the senior national side for Portugal and will be hoping to keep up his good work at an early age.
A winger by trait, Martins is one of the most gifted players in the country and is destined to great things in his career. Exceptionally quick across the turf, the 21-year old also has some incredible technique with the ball at his feet which allow him to get past his man with an ease. Comfortable playing on both wings, the right-footed winger has been accustomed to playing on either side of a striker in a 4-3-3 combination for most of his playing career. However, he is getting used to a role in the midfield, as that is making him more responsible and mature. He is also a smart player who has great positional sense and this allows him to get on the ball and create things for his side when in possession.
He is not the strongest player around but he can surely hold the ball up for his side when needed. But at his age, he has a lot of work to do on his strength and physical approach to the game and will have to work hard to have any chance of making into one of the big leagues in Europe. He is not too tall, making him a liability in the air while he is also still learning the defensive side of the game. But at his age, he will surely learn to adapt quickly and will become an important player for the club and country in years to come.
The likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United are already scouting for him, which shows the potential that he has but he will have to work hard for another year or two to make himself ready for the challenges of the big leagues in Europe. He would naturally be tempted to move away from Sporting but he is better advised to stay at the club and continue to build his physique and game before he can make a move into a star team in Europe.
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