6 Teenage Brazilians Tipped for Big Things

As a Brazilian football writer, the question that everybody always wants to ask you never changes: who is the next big star of the Brazilian game?

Still in Brazil and only 20 years old, Neymar is already a veteran in the eyes of many. He is now old news.

People are already wanting to look beyond the Santos star and, if you like, discover the “New Neymar.” Just as people had looked for the “new Maradona” or “new Pelé” before him.

There are, of course, plenty of candidates. Some will doubtless make it to the top of the game, while others will join Kerlon and Lulinha as fading memories of once promising talents.

So, let's take a look at six Brazilians tipped for the top in future years.

n.b. There are too many to mention!

A safe choice for the list, Adryan has been tipped for the top for some time now and was the star of Brazil's Under-17 side at the 2011 World Cup in Mexico. That same summer, he reportedly rejected a move to Manchester United. (Goal.com)

A diminutive attacking midfielder, Adryan operates at the point of the midfield, looking to open up defences for his team's attacking players.

Also an excellent free-kick taker, the Flamengo player has a taste for goals and is often found making late runs into the area to finish off attacking moves that he may very well have instigated.

Adryan's confidence and reputation have taken a recent hit, having been promoted into a struggling Flamengo first-team in 2012 and then failing to perform at this year's South American Under-20 Championship.

His quality, though, is undisputed and, with Flamengo bringing in experienced midfield options in Elias and Carlos Eduardo, he should have a more settled platform from which to develop in 2013.

The talent is there, but the step up to star at first-team level is perhaps the greatest challenge a No. 10 will face in their career.

The name of Mosquito, who turned 17 last week, sprang to prominence in 2011, when the then-Vasco da Gama forward finished the Under-15 South American Championship as top scorer with 10 goals from seven matches.

Having played as a wide forward at Under-13 and Under-14 level, it was in 2011 that he began to be used as a central striker. It was in this position that his game began to evolve from one of just electric pace, to now being regarded as a fine all-around attacking player. 

Having been top scorer with the national side and at Vasco from an early age, his progress is being carefully monitored by many in high places—he will soon have the chance to prove himself at Under-17 and Under-20 level.

That chance should already have come. However, a move to Atlético Paranaense in 2012 has caused a ruckus among the clubs that has seen the striker currently barred from playing in official competitions.

The player's agents are reported to have hawked his services to several clubs, but it was Atlético who chose to break an unwritten rule between Brazilian clubs regarding contracting players under the age of 17.

Vasco are demanding around £700,000 for his services, but the matter is as yet unresolved. (Placar)

Striker Victor Andrade, 17, is just one of a rising double-act making waves at Santos. Alongside powerful attacking midfielder Gabriel Barbosa, the striker is leading the way for the club's much-hyped next generation.

Blessed with great speed, Andrade made his first-team debut as a 16-year-old in 2012 and has gone on to make 19 appearances for O Peixe, finding the net on three occasions. 

The youngster has excellent close control and has shown himself to be a fine finisher when presented with chances, but must continue to work on his positioning and movement in the coming years.

The future looks bright for the man with a €50 million release clause (Estadão), but he must focus on his game and keep his ego in check. From visiting Barcelona with his agent in December (Globo) to annoying his manager with his media commitments, there have been some worrying signs so far. 

More from me on Victor Andrade, Gabriel Barbosa and Santos' challenge to keep them on track can be found here. (ESPN)

Palmeiras attacking midfielder Diego Souza is just one of a handful of promising talents currently emerging at the São Paulo-based club—a welcome relief from their recent struggles at first-team level. 

Recently turned 20, the forward's first-team career consists of just two substitute appearances to date, but that is all set to change following a second year of starring performances at the Copa São Paulo youth tournament. 

With his side in Série B in 2013, Diego should have plenty of opportunity for first-team exposure.

A rapid dribbler with the ball, the No. 10 has proven himself to possess the technical attributes needed to both beat defenders and pick a key pass to his teammates. He has also built a reputation as a consistent goalscorer at youth levels.

Powerfully built and older than all others on this list, he is the best prepared for first-team level and will be expected to prove his worth at that level within the next 12-months.

Another of those who was picked out from a very early age, Robert is a former Brazil Under-14 and Under-15 teammate of the previously mentioned Mosquito.

This month, aged just 16, he was already impressing for Fluminense at Under-20 level at the 2013 Copa São Paulo youth tournament. 

Often praised for his down-to-earth attitude, Robert is a surprisingly mature player for his age. He is quick and well-built, but relies primarily on his technical ability and footballing intelligence to shine. 

Off the pitch, with the giant Traffic agency taking control of his career from the age of 14, he should be well advised and have experts on hand to offer advice should he require.

Fluminense, too, have an excellent youth record in recent years and the buzz surrounding Robert at the club suggests he will go on to achieve great success if his development continues.

Despite his tender age, he has been tipped to make his first-team breakthrough by the end of 2013. (Globo)

Bruno Gomes is already a well-known name among Manchester United supporters, as just one of several players who have been training with the club twice a year for some time now.

Bruno, 16, is rated as the best of the group so far.

Manchester United have the right to purchase the player, should he continue to impress and, judging by his performances at youth level, it will not be long before they take up their option—expected to be when he turns 18 in 2014. (Sambafoot) 

The young forward was recently crowned top scorer in the 2012 São Paulo Under-17 state championship, with a record total of 27 goals in the competition, having also been top scorer at Under-15 level a year earlier—when he scored on 30 occasions.

Formerly at both Palmeiras and Corinthians, Bruno Gomes moved to the Desportivo Brasil academy in his early teens specifically to take part in the Manchester United exchange program.

Renowned for his intelligent positioning, ability to beat opponents and, of course, his finishing, he is already being quietly compared in style to Luis Fabiano and the legendary Ronaldo.

His recent promotion to Under-20 level has also passed without hitch, as the 16-year-old scored three goals in four appearances at the prestigious 2013 Copa São Paulo youth tournament.

One to watch for Red Devils supporters in particular.