Crystal Palace have held talks to bring Matheus Nascimento to the Premier League and Botafogo team-mate Gatito Fernandez believes the striker is a ‘sensational’ talent with ‘absurd quality’ for one so young, speaking on the Charla Podcast.
It’s remarkable, really, that Nascimento has come in for such sustained criticism in some quarters.
Yes, he’s failed to find the net in 17 Brazilian Serie A matches this term. But do not forget that this is an 18-year-old tasked with leading the line for a team plodding along in the bottom half of the table.
You only have to look at, say, Fabio Silva’s prolific form on loan at Anderlecht, in stark contrast to his rather underwhelming display at Wolves, to realise how difficult it can be for a teenager still learning on the job, while dealing with such burdensome pressure.
According to Gatito, there’s certainly no questioning Nascimento’s talent or potential.
A ‘sensational’ striker
“Matheus is a real football player. It comes naturally to him. He is a down-to-earth boy, you can see that he has a good family which helps a lot,” says Botafogo goalkeeper Gatito of a forward known as ‘the little Cavani’ due to his rangy frame, flowing locks and nose for goal.
“He’s one of the best players I’ve ever played with. And he’s going to get even better because of the quality he has. He’s a striker, he has a lot of quality and, for his age, that quality is absurd.”
Talks took place over the summer regarding a deal that would have seen Nascimento join Crystal Palace, probably on loan, before honing his already considerable talents in arguably Europe’s most high-profile and high-quality competition.
“But we can improve by sending a player (to Palace),” explains director Andre Mazzuco, highlighting the connections between Botafogo and the South London outfit due to the presence of American businessman John Textor on the boards of both sides.
“Yes, this project was offered to Matheus. He is a good boy,” Mazzuco adds. “This project was offered personally by John and Doug (Freedman) from Crystal Palace. And myself.”
Crystal Palace move could still be on for Matheus Nascimento
Nascimento, a target for Real Madrid, has a £42 million release clause in his contract. Botafogo have already rejected a £19 million offer from an as-yet unnamed European outfit. Palace, meanwhile, could yet renew their interest in the New Year.
“If the ball doesn’t arrive, it’s difficult (for him). It’s not his style to drop deep. But if you throw the ball his way, he dominates,” Gatito adds.
“Very smooth, a very good player. It seems that he floats on the field. He looks like a player from the street, with improvisation. Sensational.”
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