Ganso

Brazilian starlet Ganso, otherwise known as Paulo Henrique Chagas de Lima, is very quickly building a reputation for himself. The Santos attacking midfielder, aged only 21, has already been capped by his country and in addition helped Santos to Copa Libertadores success this year.

The player has been dubbed "the new Kaka" in his homeland; and in recent times Brazilian national team bosses have called up Ganso to take the place of Real Madrid's Kaka whenever necessary.

Ganso has a brilliant left foot and, standing at 6 foot, plenty of physical power in the challenge when necessary. He is normally deployed as an attacking midfielder, but has been known to play on both the left side of midfield and occasionally on the right. His classy passing ability made him one of the stand out players in the Brazilian leagues since arriving on the scene back in 2009.

"I prefer to give an assist than to score myself. I always said that a good pass is my way of scoring. But of course I like to celebrate a goal now and then," Ganso once said. With the ball he is always looking for available opportunities; a real playmaker of old, utilising his team mates all around him and finding space. When on the ball, Ganso is remarkably comfortable and he rarely loses the ball.

So, what next for Ganso? Ganso is one of the most sought after prospects in Brazilian football at the moment. Real Madrid, Paris St. Germain and AC Milan have all been linked with the player who is expected to find his way to Europe soon. He is far too valuable for Santos not to sell him. Alongside Santos team mate Neymar, Ganso has forged one of the most formidable attacking lines in recent times in Brazil. It can only be a matter of time until the two are separated.

It is believed that Italy is his preferred destination, with the player once saying: "My future is in Italy. Milan or Inter? I do not know yet. I feel I could be an useful asset for either side but all I can say right now is that my future is in Italy."

Creativity and vision are two of Ganso's best attributes. When he picks up the ball in a dangerous area, he can pick out his attacking team mates quickly and precisely with venomous precision. He also possesses a very powerful yet accurate shot. He generally avoids playing with his right foot, more comfortable playing with his left.

Eyefootball Scout Rating

July 25th 2011

Current ability: 83/100

Potential ability: 89/100

Current club: Santos

Likely destination: AC Milan