Defensive midfield is undoubtedly the least appealing position on a football field, but if you can prove your worth there, you instantly become invaluable.
Finding a genuinely great holder to allow the creative players to flaunt their stuff while also setting them on their way against persistent defenses is one of the most difficult aspects of the job.
However, in Brazil, a certain man is gaining the attention of several of England’s finest clubs, particularly Liverpool, for his mind-boggling displays with Fluminense.
He’s so good that he simply requires one name. Consider Prince. Consider Sting. Consider McLovin – Andre is already a hero, but his potential on the football field might propel him to even greater stardom.
Liverpool made a much-needed midfield overhaul this summer, sending Fabinho and Jordan Henderson off to Saudi Arabia and replenishing with Dominik Szoboszlai, Alex Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch.
That’s all well and good, but does that trio contain a true Fabinho replacement? Someone who, on their best day, can shut down any player in the world, but can also take the ball in the smallest gap and keep things ticking over like an old diesel engine?
Not yet, but if stories are to be believed, the Reds could sign the man who can fill that void.
Andre possesses all of the necessary tools to become the Fabinho regen that football so urgently requires.
Andre was born in Ibirataia, Bahia, and has been with Fluminense since he was 12 years old, enjoying a steady rise with one of Brazil’s greatest clubs ever since.
At only 22 years old, he has already played 158 times for Rio de Janeiro’s oldest club and has quietly caused waves with his combative yet clean displays in the center of their team.
While he is shorter than Fabinho, standing at only five feet seven, the two are uncannily identical when it comes to whisking the ball away from an attacker’s feet, sticking a leg in, and breaking down an attack in a matter of moments.
In short, he’s a nightmare to play against but a joy to play with.