Top 5 "Next Big Things" From Brazil

Rallying from the wanton destruction of my last Top 5 List, I bring you a peek at some young Brazilian wizards sure to make the leap to Europe before long. You may not have heard their names and/or seen them in action, but that is temporary.

For the purpose of this ranking, I have excluded big talents who have a fair share of European experience, such as Internacional striker Nilmar. Fresh Spartak Moscow catch Rafael Carioca was in the list until Monday's transfer from Grêmio. I definitely need to get this posted before more of them are shipped across the globe and I tragically lose another Top 5 List.

These five are already drawing interest from the continent, and for good reason. As you might imagine, making cuts and placing them in an order was no small feat. My honorable mentions? Dentinho (Corinthians), Domingos (Santos), Erick Flores (Flamengo) and Lulinha (Corinthians).

Brazil has oodles of fine prodigies capable of making a world name for themselves, and after some deliberation, here's my top shelf list...

#5 - Guilherme (Cruzeiro)

Did you ever see a player that just always seems to be in the right place at the right time? It can't be all luck. In addition to his off-the-ball savvy, he possesses a sublime passing eye and doesn't over-hit shots. Maybe the 20-year old isn't the most scintillating Brazilian player ever, but that is a tribute to his efficiency - Guilherme does just enough to make the play.

#4 - Alex Teixeira (Vasco da Gama)

Essentially, this 18-year old is a Robinho for the midfield. Silky, speedy and always running with his head up, Alex Teixeira is being scouted by some of Europe's finest. Vasco have already had to reject a Manchester United offer. He is probably the most speculative pick on this list, if only because he just made the first team in January.

#3 - Hernanes (São Paulo)

It's funny... this Barcelona target spends so much time firing from distance, raiding the box and basically doing his best Totti impression that opponents tend to forget what a clever touch he has on the pass. Hernanes is also larger than your average #10 and covers more ground, often working the wings. A perfect blend of form and function, the 23-year old just makes plays.

#2 - Thiago Silva (Fluminense)

Currently in a tug-of-war between AC Milan, Chelsea and Villarreal, this 24-year old (pictured at top) is sure to become a big name before long. He is often compared to Cristiano Ronaldo for his curly locks, tricky feet, deft long range finishing touch and a sneaky scoring prowess from headers. This model is a winger-turned-defender, however. He will stop you at one end and punish you at the other. And soon... they will try to find "the next Thiago Silva".


#1 - Keirrison (Coritiba)

Joint top Brasileiro A scorer in his first full campaign, the 20-year old is drawing loads of attention in Europe, most feverishly from Liverpool. Owning a lithe good-sized frame, stupendous body control and a sniper's touch, Keirrison manages to score from a wide variety of situations. His biggest weapon, though? A dynamic ability to change speeds in a snap. This one is going to be a killer, both on the fly and in traffic. That's right, it's the Brazilian Van Basten. Get out your checkbook or suffer.


Evidence...

Guilherme



Alex Teixeira



Hernanes



Thiago Silva



Keirrison




- Greg Seltzer