Scouting For Liverpool: Profiling Brazil’s ‘Next Big Star’ Who Is Under The Radar Of The Reds?

With the international break coming in, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has his attention on scouting talents across the globe. This time, the destination is Brazil and the player under the radar is Gabriel Barbosa. Klopp is looking for multiple options in attack to add to his wishlist for the summer transfer window and the recent one is Barbosa.

Who is Gabriel Barbosa?

The 19-year-old Brazilian striker plays for Santos and is considered by many as the next big thing in Brazil after Neymar

. He has the Brazilian Samba flair and a killer left foot. He is known to make runs in and around the box and his game is tipped ambitious by many with his ability to take shots on goal from distance as well. Barbosa recently received the nod for a start in the Brazilian national side’s 2018 World cup qualifier against Paraguay. Neymar is suspended for the game and the wonder-kid is expected to take his place up-front. This is what he had to say when asked about his call for a start in the national team.

“I will be realizing a dream that I did not expect so soon. I’m happy for the opportunity.

Why Liverpool?

Jurgen Klopp is busy scouting fresh talent and he is looking to add pace, flair and strength to his side. The manager already has the combination of Coutinho and Firmino in the attack and the Brazilian duo has shown a lot of promise for the team. Klopp is looking to strengthen his attacking options and Barbosa is known for his pace and his ability to convert chances in and around the box. However, the only problem here is the same that happens with most of the young talents playing in the Brazilian league. They are exposed to weaker defenses and hence they are not able to reciprocate their performances when they are given a move to European leagues. Jurgen Klopp is totally aware of this and he would certainly be looking to nurture Barbosa and make him a future player at Anfield.

Where would he fit in?

Liverpool are already equipped with Coutinho and Firmino in the center of their attacking midfield. Coutinho is also known to play on the left flank. Barbosa has a sweet left-foot and his pace might just allow Klopp to use him on the right flank if the plays the 4-2-3-1 or as a second striker in the 4-4-2. In either case, Barbosa would add to the team with his skills and his pace and could possibly team up to make a commanding Brazilian trio.