Lucas Silva - Brazilian youngster on radars of European heavyweight clubs

Lucas Silva (born February 16, 1993), is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Brasileirao side Cruzeiro. He has played exceptionally well for the club and has drawn interest from several European giants.

Cruzeiro have just won the league in Brazil and Silva's consistent displays throughout the season were important in that success. He was named in the league's team of the season at the end of the campaign. His performances have kept far more experienced players to the bench.

Playing Style:

He isn't similar to the defensive midfielders that Brazil has produced in recent times. Players like Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo and Fernandinho are bullish and only play as a screen for the defence and save the team on counterattacks. But Cruzeiro does not rely on counterattacks and set pieces (most Brazilian Clubs do) . The whole team goes forward in numbers and track back in numbers as well.

So, Silva has better-attacking instincts than most defensive minded midfielders in the Brasileirao. But that doesn't mean his defensive traits are weaker. He is a competent set piece taker. He dictates play really well. He controls the tempo of the game from the base of the midfield. He has a good vision for a killer pass and also plays a bit of Tiki-Taka football.

He is a tenacious tackler and presses well. He likes to shoot from distance and also plays long balls well.

The player is still is in his development stage and has a few weaknesses nonetheless. He sometimes loses the ball far too easily and is also weak in the air. He needs to further build up his physique if he is to become one of the world's best defensive midfielders .He is not very good at dribbling the ball.

But, he surely has a great potential and will certainly develop as he plays more. Here's a video of his playing style:

The player may cost any club at this point of time something around £ 10 million. "But we have already set a price for the player based on his market value. Cruzeiro is not willing to negotiate for any figure lower than €15m." A club statement said.

Carlo Ancelotti confirmed a few days ago that Real Madrid are keeping tabs on the youngster.''We have an interest in signing Lucas Silva, but he is not the only one we are scouting. After the Club World Cup, we will decide if we have to make some signings in January.'' the Italian said.

Silva must keep in mind the plight of Asier Illarramendi ( similar could be his ) if he is to move to Real Madrid in the near future. Reportedly, Arsenal too are in the race for his signature. But, the player himself admitted recently that it would be dream come true to play with Cristiano Ronaldo."Of course, I'd like to play for Real Madrid, it would be an honour," Silva said.

So, presumably Real Madrid are his first choice. But then, playing chances are less likely at Real than at Arsenal. Arsene Wenger relies on young, dynamic youngsters. Also, Ancelotti had added in his statement that Real were interested in other players as well. Arsenal too are always linked to a plethora of young midfielders and Lucas Silva is just one of them.

Where will he move? Nothing' predictable in today's transfer market. Lucas should just keep playing in Brazil for a couple of years before making that big leap across the Atlantic . It would serve him well as then he would have better chances at first team football and would have matured into a more mature player.

But one thing is for sure, he is destined to be a star in the world of football.