Ganso @ Sevilla
The Goose has finally migrated to Europe. Years after bursting on the scene as an 18 year old with Santos where he formed a fearsome creative partnership with a teenage Neymar, Ganso has at last followed his friend and former teammate across the Atlantic and landed in Spain.
The one-time heir apparent to the traditional values of Brazil’s number 10 shirt, Ganso seemed destined for one of Europe’s powerhouse clubs. Injuries and other issues curtailed that trajectory, but Sevilla – themselves now a force on the continent after five Europa League successes in 11 seasons – seems a perfect place to settle for this old-school playmaker, in more ways than one.
Not only has the Spanish side proved time and again that they allow South American imports to successfully flourish, but, now with a change of coach, a change in playing style with Ganso as the creative hub – if continuing his recent Sao Paulo form – could see the creative midfielder become an essential element as the influx of other new signings continue to blend in.
As Jack Lang recently wrote for FourFourTwo:
Any lover of football’s creative arts will have their fingers firmly crossed for him.