Promessas

Tudo bem que os ingleses podem não ser os maiores conhecedores de futebol no mundo - mesmo o tendo inventado.

Mas a lista divulgada essa semana pelo The Times (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article5502827.ece?token=null&offset=84&page=8) é interessante, até porque, entre as 50 maiores promessas do futebol mundial, estão três jogadores que ainda atuam no Brasil.

A pergunta, feita inclusive pelo periódico inglês, é: quanto tempo levará para que se mudem para a Europa?

Abaixo, os seis brasileiros citados na matéria:

1. Hernanes (São Paulo) Perhaps the most-hyped South American prospect of last year, the hugely-talented 23-year-old Brazilian is an attacking midfield playmaker, leading to inevitable Kaka comparisons. How long before he moves to Europe?

5. Douglas Costa (Grêmio) The new Ronaldinho? The new Anderson? Either way, this skilful 18-year-old midfield player attracted the attention of Manchester United and Real Madrid last autumn despite making just a handful of appearances. His buy-out clause is 21 million GBP.

9. Fabio Da Silva (Manchester United)
His twin Rafael, has already caught the eye at right back this season and the word from Old Trafford is that Fabio, 18, is just as exciting – though he is yet to make his United debut given Patrice Evra’s excellence at left back.

11. Carlos Eduardo (Hoffenheim)
European scouts had kept tabs on this Gremio left-sided midfield player as a teenager, but it was to little Hoffenheim that he moved for €8 million in 2007. He is now 21 and Hoffenheim are shock contenders for the Bundesliga title.

20. Thiago Silva (free agent, joining AC Milan in June)
The 24-year-old, converted to centre back after being a utility man, left Fluminese last year. Rebuilt his career after failing to make an impact in previous European spells and will be at the San Siro next season after appearing at the Olympics as an overage player.

39. Miranda (São Paulo) AC Milan and Fiorentina are reportedly interested in capturing the tall 24-year-old centre back, formerly with Sochaux in France.