Alan Kardec     22     Striker      Santos

Big, strong, powerful, excellent in the air, great poacher’s instinct, called Alan – a typical English forward then? Alan Kardec is not necessarily your stereotypical Brazilian striker and that may be no bad thing for his long-term career.

Having burst onto the scene with Vasco da Gama, over two seasons Kardec made steady, if unspectacular, progress.  But a truly brilliant goal in 2009’s U20 World Cup semi-final against Costa Rica displayed the striker’s potential on a global scale. A move to Benfica followed and despite his obvious rough edges, it was hoped European football was the perfect place to knock them off.

A season in Portugal proved tough and he struggled to find any sort of consistency or rhythm, deputising for Oscar Cardozo meant big shoes to fill and a loan move to Santos in July looked to mark the end of Kardec’s career in Lisbon. Since returning to Brazil he appears a happier, sharper player and once again a bundle of potential.

Kardec’s next move is critical and he may be better served remaining in his home country for the time being.

"Has made a really positive impact since returning to Brazil. Not the most famous of Santos' young guns, but he's come to prominence due to injuries to other players. Looks like fulfilling the promise he showed at Vasco" – Jack Lang (Snap, Káka and Pop!)

D     The move to Santos has reignited the fire, how brightly can it burn?