Two Samba Boys

It’s been 10 years since Brazil won the World Cup, a 2-0 victory over Germany enough to give the Samba Boys a record 5^th world title.

In those 10 years there has been an ongoing rebuilding process of the Brazilian national side, the likes of Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Roberto Carlos from the most recent golden generation have been replaced by more unfamiliar names such as Neymar, Romul and Ganso. The household names we were once so used to hearing about and seeing turnout for Europe’s elite clubs are no more, now there are young talents plying their trade in their homeland.

The selection of policy of the Brazil side is clear when looking at the current squad; not a single player is over the age of 30, the oldest is goalkeeper Jefferson.

Two of Brazil’s hottest talents have been linked with moves to the Premier League this summer.

Lucas Rodrigues Moura da Silva and Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Junior (or Lucas Moura and Oscar for short) are the two young midfielders being targeted by two of England’s top teams.

Lucas Moura has been subject of two bids from Manchester United, the latest of which was in the area of around £30 million has been turned down by Sao Paulo.

The 19 year old midfielder has made 59 appearances for Sao Paulo since his debut in 2010. Able to play on either wing or more centrally as an attacking midfielder Moura can make and score goals from areas across the field.

Oscar is reportedly on his way to the Premier League after Chelsea agreed a £25 million fee with Internacional, although the player himself has since released a statement of “I’m staying”.

An attacking midfielder in a similar mould to Frank Lampard, Oscar has a bright future ahead whether it is in Brazil or anywhere else in the world.

The 20 year old is the only player ever to have scored a hat-trick in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup final, having scored all 3 goals in a 3-2 extra time victory over Portugal.

As luck would have it we will get to see more than just YouTube videos of the duo as they head to England to compete for Brazil at London 2012. Both Chelsea and Manchester United will be hoping to secure any deals before the return flight.

Sam Jewell

@sw_jewell

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