Who are the players who will shape world football in the years to come?
“Who’s next?” von LAOLA1 deals with the greatest talents of the next generation.
We look at hopeful teenagers whose big breakthrough is yet to come: jewels that are already established on top of the world like Jude Bellingham, Jamial Musiala or Gavi need not be introduced anyway.
He says in episode #2 Angel Gabriel under the spotlight.
Wer?
Photo: © getty
First name: Angel Gabriel
Nationality: Brazil
Birth place: Brasilia
Date of birth: December 21, 2004
To measure: 1.73 meters
Position: Right wing
Association: FC Santos
market value: 13 million euros
Where is he from?
Angelo Gabriel Borges Damaceno, as the promising young man is called by his full name, was born in the Brazilian capital, Brasilia.
At the age of nine he was discovered by chance by FC Santos scouts playing in the “Favelas”, the slums of Brazil, who immediately took him to São Paulo for a trial training. Santos immediately grabbed him and led Gabriel to his youth department.
In the youth academy of his club he stood out again and again among the countless talents. Before turning 16, he signed his first professional contract and made his professional debut at FC Santos.
He made his debut against Fluminense on October 25, 2020 at the age of 15 years, ten months and four days. This made him the second-youngest debutant in the club’s history, ahead of legend Pelé, who was eleven days older. Only Pelé’s teammate Coutinho was even younger, and at 14 years and 11 months he is likely to remain unbeaten.
Less than six months later, however, Gabriel actually set his first record. In the South American equivalent of the UEFA Champions League, the Copa Libertatores, he scored in a 3-1 final win against San Lorenzo on 6 April 2021, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the competition’s history.
At the latest by this point, international scouts had put him at the top of their priority list. Shortly after his professional debut, he was compared to Neymar and Pele, and his performances impressively underlined that.
Despite his young age, Gabriel played nearly 100 games for his club. Many probably won’t get there, but this number is staggering.
VIDEO – the best scenes of Angelo Gabriel:
Where is he going?
Since Gabriel has meanwhile turned 18 – which in Brazil is the prerequisite for a move abroad – the door to Europe is also open for him. The list of clubs traded as interested parties is almost endless.
FC Barcelona can probably have the highest hopes at the moment. In December 2021, Santos extended the youngster’s contract until December 2024. He is more than unlikely to comply with it. Because Barça has managed to anchor a right of first refusal in the contract, which should be 35 million euros. A special circumstance came to the aid of the five-time Champions League winner.
The fact that FC Barcelona has a mountain of debt on their shoulders is nothing new. However, it is much rarer for Catalans to owe money. However, this is the case here: Santos owes Barca money from past transfer deals. The agreed right of first refusal is therefore a concession that helps both parties.
In addition to Barça, the most concrete possibilities are attributed to Real Madrid and Liverpool according to national and international media reports. Juventus Turin and Newcastle United are also rumored to be interested in the 18-year-old but are likely outsiders in the fight for super talent.
what can he do
The fact that he is compared to Neymar and Pele speaks volumes. Unlike the current ‘Selecao’ superstar, Gabriel is left-footed and plays mainly on the right wing.
His strengths lie in one-on-one play, the 18-year-old excels at opening up new spaces with his dribbling and tight hooks, then slotting in and looking for a finish there or serving the ball to a teammate.
He often manages to lure in multiple opponents at once, which creates additional space for his teammates. Technically, Gabriel is very gifted and already better than most of his peers.
In direct duel he shows good balance and his changes of pace are remarkable for a young player like him. Gabriel is also very advanced in terms of technical coordination.
In summary his development is very impressive, experts are already attesting that he is a year ahead in his development compared to Neymar right now.
What can’t it (yet) do?
In the match against the ball, Gabriel still has deficits, which is not surprising for a strong offensive player of his age.
He will also need to improve physically, especially if he is looking to move to England.
Especially in a duel it reveals the need to recover. Although he fights back diligently and loses the ball, he still loses often.
What do others say?
Ariel Holan (former FC Santos manager): “Angelo will be a great player. With more games he will gain more confidence. He is a different striker. Both in the center and on the sides of the pitch. He is a very talented boy and just needs more experience.”
Betinho (former Gabriels youth coach): “Angelo is a very interesting player who will continue to grow and shine. He is fast, skilful, irreverent, with sufficient technical quality and offensive power.”
Conclusion LAOLA1
world star
The comparisons with Pele and Neymar already indicate this: this man is something special! Despite his young age, in attack he has all the qualities to make a difference on his own.
Capacitors like this are rare to find in world football, even with today’s power density. If Gabriel reaches his potential, he will become the next generation’s great superstar.
Who’s Next – all episodes:
#1 Endrick
VIDEO – Neymar’s first goal for FC Santos:
