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| Image from ThiagoAlcantara.com |
During his time in Spain, Mazinho brought his son Thiago to Spain. Thiago found his way into the Barcelona youth system at age 13.
Thiago is now the pearl of the Barca B team. His crisp passing shows the vision of Xavi. He even looks like Xavi. As you watch the video of Thiago, imagine him blacked out in profile. Could you see Xavi? I can. Perhaps it's the shape of his head, the way he swivels it, eyes up as passes cleanly downfield. I imagine him taking in Xavi's work much as a young Kobe Bryant emulated Michael Jordan.
Yet Alcantara adds Brasilian flair to Xavi's stone-faced efficiency. His ball-handling is superb and his nose for goal, superb. In some ways he looks like Ronaldinho.
Thiago and his father clearly have plans for his future. His website, the video below and the buzz about him show marketing savvy. Yet whether I'm being market to or not, I love it.
I couldn't enjoy a video more - sick soccer action combined with a great song by the Black Keys (Tighten Up). I hope you enjoy it, too.
Didn't know he was a Spanish national. Keeping away from Brazil since he was 13 will probably do wonders for the longevity of his work ethic.
ReplyDeleteLoved those set piece fakes, as well as some rare step-overs from no. 10. So rare to see Messi buried near the touchline instead of running circles around guys at the top of the box.
I love the set piece, "blank lob". It looks like they used that several times. I wonder if a Liga team could pull that off? Did you notice the guy on the other end of the passes? It was often Canales, now of Real Madrid.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that Thiago and his dad are a determined pair. I think that will keep his work ethic online. Unlike our friend Ronaldinho - did you see they're making a big deal about his late "dinner" habits again?
The gratuitous Messi footage sure spiced up the video!