Young'uns - The New Generation: Brazil Part I

This is the first of many installments. Over the course of the year, I will cover every geographic region you can possibly think of. For those that think these are the only future stars I will cover left in Brazil, I assure you that there will be more.

Starting within Brazil, instead of Brazilians abroad:

Alexandre Pato
Club: Internacional
Birthdate: September 2, 1989
Fullname: Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva


Has already warranted comparisons to Ronaldinho, this 17 year old already has a FIFA World Club Championship under his belt after helping dispatch of his idol’s squad Barcelona, 1-0. He will most likely be part of the Brazilian U-20 team that qualified for this summer’s U-20 World Cup in Canada. Look for him to make the jump to Europe sometime soon. His contract, however, runs until 2009 with a minimum fee release clause of around 18 million Euros. Clearly, he doesn’t come cheap.

Jô
Club: CSKA Moscow
Birthdate: March 20, 1987
Fullname: João Alves de Assis Silva


Brazilians are in such demand on the world football scene that you can find them as far away as Russia (Japan even…if you count newly-minted Japanese citizen Alex). Won the Russian Premier League title with CSKA Moscow in 2006. Started out in the productive Brazilian youth grounds of Corinthians. Has already scored 15 goals in his first 20 games with the club. Will most likely move from CSKA Moscow as attention to him has been steadily growing. Should also be a part of Brazil’s U20 team this summer in Canada at the U-20 World Cup.

Lucas
Club: Gremio
Birthdate: January 9, 1987
Fullname: Lucas Leiva


Just recently received a call-up to the Brazilian senior national team by coach Dunga and looks to add to his total of 1 cap (controversial because it was against a Kuwaiti club) which he earned in October 2006. At 19, Lucas took the award for Best Player in the Campeonato Brasileiro in 2006. He is known for his seasoned-for-his-age midfield approach. Blends a holding midfielder with a keen attacking awareness. Has recently been heavily linked to Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid. Look for him to be on tap for the Brazilian U-20 squad in Canada this summer.