Back from the dead, Brazil’s samba stars are alive and well

Once upon a time, Brazil were often regarded as the pinnacle of world football. They have dominated many past eras and have held in their many impressive squad’s the likes of Pele, Socrates, Dunga, Romario, and Ronaldo.

However since their latest triumph, back in the World Cup of 2002, the Samba Boys have not hit the same heights as their predecessors, and the country has failed to produce notable names as those already mentioned.

Arguably their last superstar was Ronaldinho, who burst onto the scene during that last World Cup victory, lobbing David Seaman from the halfway line en route to lifting the trophy. He then went on to shine for Barcelona, often the star of the show in European showcases against other top sides, and has now had a career glittered with accolades.

But since the “flip-flap” sensation, Brazil have often promised, but never delivered their next big thing.

Kaka, Alexandre Pato, Luis Fabiano and Robinho have all been names that were touted as future greats of the game, and although they may have several footballing honours, they’ve hardly reached the fame of Brazilian legends.

However the Brazilian national team have now had a new youthful intake to their squad. Names such as Sandro, David Luiz and Rafael da Silva, all of whom grace the English Premier League, have been added to this new look Brazilian line-up, and England’s top clubs want to continue the trend of signing young, promising Brazilians.

Chelsea have been first to make an impression, with the Blues snapping up attacking midfielder Oscar. For £25m, the 20-year-old moved from Internacional to Stamford Bridge,  signing a five-year contract.

Manchester United are also in the mix for a young starlet, with Sao Paolo winger Lucas Moura, the player in demand. However negotiations between the two clubs seem to be a stumbling block, as both clubs cannot agree a price for the 19-year-old.

It’s a trend that has seemed to continue over the recent transfer speculation regarding promising Brazilian players, and one that has therefore stopped some players earning the dream move that their talent so richly deserves. The question is whether their clubs are demanding too much for their services, and whether they really think a player is the future of Brazilian football and not just your average footballer.

Both Oscar and Lucas Moura are involved in Brazil’s Olympic football squad this summer, and many of their teammates will be hoping they can use the London games as a shop window for many of the Premier League clubs watching.

Hulk, Ganso, and Neymar are all big names of the new era Brazil side, and have already attracted many admirers across the world. Let’s not forget, the mega-rich football clubs are based all over Europe nowadays.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid have been the clubs linked with the respective players, all of whom have already made an impression on the whole world of football.

However, whilst many teams may want a superstar to add to their squad, one club may look to the future, and therefore it may be an unknown quantity that catches one coaches eye this summer, and earns that dream move that kickstarts his career as a Brazilian wonder.

Derek Baker, Football correspondent