The close season, and the madness begins. At the time of writing it’s currently July the 15th which historically means the transfer hysteria should be in full flow. However, things seem all too quiet, particularly on the Arsenal front. After a lot of speculation about potential arrivals, there have been anxious feelings from the Gunners with the only incoming transfer so far arriving in the form of France under-20 star Yaya Sanogo from Auxerre. The manager and the board both publicly boasting a significant budget would surely mean that it could be the year that Arsenal finally combine the young British core with readymade superstars – a vision that Arsenal fans have been longing for. With no sign of anyone arriving in the near future, Arsenal fans ask each other why. The calming before the storm? Perhaps.
The British media certainly feel this will be the year Arsenal spend having been linked with a new player almost every day, even before the window officially opened. Deals have been hard to come by for the Gunners, for instance a move for Gonzalo Higuain has been put on the back burner with Wenger refusing to be reeled in by Spanish supremo Fiorentino Perez’ crafty negotiation tactics (who probably needs more money to fund another lucrative summer for Los Blancos). Lately, the prospect of Uruguayan Luis Suarez arriving from Liverpool as Arsenals primary target is controversial if not audacious. Next on the horizon for Arsenal and their long list of transfer targets have suggested Atlético Mineiro’s 20-year-old playmaker Bernard Anício Caldeira Duarte – Bernard as he is known to football fans. His performances haven’t gone unnoticed in Europe and Arsenal are not the only suitors. Champions League runners up Borussia Dortmund are linked but have cooled their pursuit (mainly because of the arrival of Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Shakhtar Donetsk ) but also Premier League rivals Liverpool are also reportedly interested. Currently basking in the glory of a Confederations cups victory, the young Brazilian will look to continue his progress and cement his place in the Brazil squad for the World Cup next summer. Arsenal could be the route he takes to develop his raw talent into a world class footballer. Let’s take a look and decide whether you feel that Bernard could be the next South-American star to travel across the Atlantic and grace European shores with his talents.
[highlight]Personal Profile.[/highlight]
A typical Brazilian, he grew up in modest surroundings in Belo Horizonte where like many children in Brazil, a football was his favourite toy. Fast-forward to 2006 and his talents were recognised by Brazilian giants Atlético Mineiro, one of the biggest clubs in his home province. Although it wasn’t as straightforward as it sounds for the playmaker and his quest for super-stardom. He was diagnosed with Growth Hormone Deficiency – a deficiency that we have come to familiarize with four-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi. We are aware now that such problems could have been resolved and it wouldn’t harm Bernard’s progress as a footballer. None the less Atlético released a 14-year-old Bernard on two different occasions due to his lack of physicality. He refused to give up and proved the directors of the club wrong who decided to re-sign Bernard. A decision that they haven’t looked back on.
After the drama he had during his early teens was behind him, he had newfound faith from the Atlético management and Bernard’s amazing talents for parent club Atlético proved he was on his way to becoming the next dazzling Brazilian to light up football and excite fans across the globe. He was sent out on loan to Atleico’s feeder club at 18 to gain some experience in senior football which Bernard embraced quickly. He scored 14 goals in 16 games for Democrata SL and was pushing for a place in the Atlético team. It was abundantly clear that he was good enough for the top flight and because of an injury crisis at right back Bernard was given a chance (additionally he was also competing in the Taca Belo Horizonte de Juniores which he won). Dorival Junior the man who handed him his debut was dismissed in 2011 after narrowly avoiding relegation and replaced with Cuca, a move that would benefit Bernard. Cuca made his intentions clear by immediately reinstating Bernard in the first team permanently and in his favoured attacking role. He ended his debut year with 4 assists in 19 starts in the Brasileirão and gave Brazilians a taste of what was to come in the future.
2012 was a year where Atlético Mineiro’s fortunes changed for the better. They had a new manager and acquired established stars such as former Manchester City and CSKA striker Jô from Internacional as well as the surprise signing of former Ballon D’or winner and Barcelona superstar Ronaldinho (who felt out with the manager at Flamengo). Combined with the injection of youth provided by Bernard, Atlético were ready to challenge on all fronts again. Playing on the left of an attacking trident which included the aforementioned Jô, Ronaldinho as well as Diego Tardelli, Bernard added a spark and attacking guile to a side that established their rise from the ashes with an overachieving 2nd place finish in the league. The playmaker’s intoxicating performances filled the lively streets of Belo Horizonte with excitement. Atlético Mineiro were advancing to the summit of Brazilian football and a boy of their own was leading that charge. He started 36 times for Atlético Mineiro and scooped the Brasileirão’s best newcomer award in 2012 such was the quality of his performances. He convinced under fire national team coach Mano Menzenes to give him his first international call up in the Superclásico de la Americas vs. Argentina (which Brazil won on penalties). It capped off Bernard’s breakthrough year and club president Alexandre Kalil was fending off interest from suitors, most notably Spartak Moscow’s who’s bid for £9.8mil was quickly rejected.
2013 and now already an integral player for an Atlético Mineiro side battling for the Copa Libetatdores, Bernard had turned the heads of many teams across the ocean. Scouts will flock to Estádio Independência to watch the return leg of a much anticipated 2nd leg of the Copa Libertadores with Bernard and Atlético up against it being 2 – 0 down in the first leg against Paraguayan’s Olimpia (Bernard didn’t feature). The return leg is on the 24th of July and it would be a fantastic way for Bernard to bid farewell to his boyhood club (if he were to leave) by winning the cup that he envisioned winning as a boy.
[highlight]Playing Style.[/highlight]
A diminutive playmaker, a description that has become so fashionable with the success of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona team and stars such as Lionel Messi, Iniesta and Xavi. Bernard stands at 5″5 and what he lacks in height and power he more than makes up for in ability and intelligence and also electric acceleration. Currently playing for a team that boast established attacking talents such as Jô, Ronaldinho and Diego Tardelli, Bernard isn’t afraid to share the limelight frequently linking up with his team mates and creating space with his running. Despite his abundance of vision and flair with the ball, Bernard makes himself useful to other teammates with his intelligent movement and agility when he is without the ball. His small stature, gives him low centre of gravity thus making him agile and more able to get into the gaps left in between the midfield and the defence. That said he is most dangerous with the ball at his feet. Possessing fantastic acceleration and dynamic dribbling ability. He is a defenders nightmare and is capable of causing havoc in the final third of the pitch. Farmed out onto the left hand side he is also able to play a more central role he is comfortable on either foot and he has the intelligence to inter-play in other positions on the field. He resembles current Arsenal star Santi Cazorla. Another comparison that fans of the Premier League could relate to is Middlesbrough great Juninho Paulista, who also boats quick feet, plenty of flair and a small stature of only 5″5.
He’s not known for his defensive ability but isn’t afraid to track his runners and press opponents, particularly high up the pitch. Defenders who think he will be a pushover because of his small frame would be mistaken, he does possess a certain degree tenacity and isn’t afraid to look after himself on the pitch – something he will need in England.
His style and attributes fit perfectly for Arsenal. Although a very gifted prospect given how quickly his career has strengthened in the last two years, he is still the down to earth boy that Atlético spotted playing in Belo Horizonte all those years ago. Wenger isn’t normally one to sign the prima donna type, or players that cause trouble off the pitch so in that sense Bernard would remain in Wenger’s good books if he were to join. Tactically we could say the same. He is versatile and could occupy the left wing, right wing and attacking midfield positions in Arsenal’s typical 4-3-3 formation. Surprisingly, he made his debut at right back for Atlético and done so willingly. It advertises a good attitude which is rare for a player with such phenomenal talent and is an attribute that would endear him to Arsenal fans.
[highlight]Criticisms.[/highlight]
Despite all the hype in the media in Brazil, which is seeping its way through to Europe. He is still a prospect and far from the finished article. More often than not most Brazilians successfully make the jump from Brazil to Europe. On the flip side there have been a handful that have failed to replicate their samba skills abroad. Despite having moderate success Robinho never fully fulfilled the potential that saw many tout him as the future world’s best player. Diego who was phenomenal for Werder Bremen after a difficult few seasons for Porto, has yet to live up to heights that were expected of him when he left Santos. Lastly, Jô – Bernard’s current teammate once cost Man City £19mil pounds and flopped spectacularly, managing a measly 10 goals in 73 games in England (including loan spells at Everton). It’s maybe unjustified to assume that Bernard’s time in Europe may be the same, taking into account he displays a good attitude and ethic on the pitch. Brazilians have been known to struggle in Europe so the purchase of Bernard for £25mil in this stage of his career is still a gamble.
Although players like Bernard have already succeeded in the Premier League when you think of Luka Modric, David Silva and Santi Cazorla. Players who are built smaller do occasionally get bullied by the burly defenders of the Premier League. It’s a test of character that some players however talented tend to fail. European football is a different ball game to Brazil. He may struggle to adapt to some of the roughhouse treatment he will receive in England as most of the skilful players do. An Arsenal team criticized for a lack of fight would be frustrated of the thought of another “lightweight” player joining the ranks.
[highlight]Verdict.[/highlight]
At £25mil, he wouldn’t come cheap and although it’s an exciting prospect, in my opinion the Arsenal management will use the reported £70mil war-chest to pursue their primary targets such as a defensive midfielder and a striker before they move on to attacking midfielders, a position typically well covered at Arsenal. However, many players have gone to seek pastures new so there may be space freed for the likes of Bernard to arrive. Arshavin has already returned to Zenit and Gervinho is reported to be in talks with Roma, which would see him reunite with Rudi Garcia who managed him at Lille. If such a deal were to happen that would entitle a space on the left hand side – a position that Bernard occupies for Atlético and the Brazil national team. Arsenal fans remain frustrated with the lack of transfer activity and the club are crying out for the purchase of an established holding midfielder and a striker. Having the said that reading the words “Brazilian playmaker” historically is always an exciting prospect and although it’s not top of the shopping list Bernard would without a doubt add exuberance and flair to an Arsenal side criticised for lacking that special player in the big games. In a few years £25mil could look like a bargain given Bernard’s boundless potential he has already displayed in Brazil.
With that all taken into account would you like to see Bernard in Arsenal colours or would you prefer for Arsène Wenger to spend the money elsewhere?