Transfer Scouting Report: Oscar dos Santos

By Chris Linnell

In recent weeks 20 year old Oscar dos Santos has been linked with Di Matteo’s Chelsea. According to various sources, including Sky Sports, the London club have agreed a £25 million deal to bring the Brazilian wonder-kid to the club.

Surely this move shows the Chelsea manager’s intentions for his team’s future. However, as always, until the player publicly reveals a move all we can do is speculate.

Until then, here’s a look at the player who’s fairly unheard of across the footballing World.

Oscar dos Santos

Current Club – Internacional

Age – 20 years old (1991)

Height – 5ft 10in

Position – Attacking Midfielder

Oscar is said to be one of the hottest prospects in South American football boasting a superb natural technical ability with the ball, and a typical Brazilian flair. He has impressed at international level and is worshipped at his club Internacional.

At club level he holds an impressive 11 goals in just 36 matches, a very impressive record for a centre midfielder.

For Brazil he has played 16 times at youth level, scoring 3 goals, and has recently broke in to the senior squad, already gaining 6 appearances and 1 goal.

On 20 August 2011, Oscar scored three goals in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup final win against Portugal, becoming the first player to score a Hat-trick in the FIFA U-20 World Cup final. This performance was immediately compared to the 1966 hat trick by Geoff Hurst as only the second time a single player scored three goals in a World Cup final match.

He is said to be typically Brazilian, playing football from a very young age, living and loving the game as boy. He was never seen without a football at his feet. Brazil tend to produce these technically skillful players who have a pure love of the game, and Oscar is one of them.

What would he bring to Chelsea?

Every Chelsea supporter has been crying out for the need for more creativity in the middle of the park. Luka Modric was on top of most fans shopping list, but with the Tottenham man reportedly set for Madrid, Oscar seems to be ideal replacement as far as Di Matteo is concerned.

In many ways, Oscar and Luka play a similar role. Oscar is a creative midfielder whose strength lies in his attacking attributes. His defensive quality fails to live up to his attacking ability – however this is case with the majority of players in his position.

Even at the age of 20, many fans of Oscar suggest he is good enough to make an instant impression at Stamford Bridge. Initially he may find himself watching from the side-lines, but he is sure to be a key player as soon as he gets his chance.

What position will he play and how will he fit in?

It is likely Oscar will play as the more advanced central midfielder. He’ll be supported by two holding midfielders giving him the freedom to get forward, create chances and score goals.

What is his style of play?

He is a quick mover of the ball, has great vision. He also possesses great skill; expect to see him take players on with his trademark Brazilian footwork.

For a 20 year old he is very mature, composed and intelligent. He will look to lose his marker, make space behind the midfielders and thread a killer pass.

What are his weaknesses?

Although Oscar does possess reasonable strength for his build, I’m not certain how he’ll adapt to the way Premier League sides press the play, physicality is a vital part of the English game. He would have enjoyed the freedom of the pitch in Brazil, and he will certainly have to work on creating space, strength on the ball, passing under pressure and decision making in order to be at his best in the Chelsea midfield.

It’s certainly an exciting time for Chelsea supporters, with an attacking line-up potentially featuring Oscar. Alongside Hazard, Mata, Marin and Torres, It’s simply a mouth-watering prospect.