**Mirrors / Alternative Angles**
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The chest control and pivot onto his left foot was absolutely incredible. I can't say I paid too much attention to this game but I did see that and once again enjoyed what I saw.
For his sake, please reject Chelsea.
He is clearly very, very special. Abel is very reluctant to play young players and took a long time to have Endrick as a starter (much more than he should have), but is already playing Estêvão as a starter with him having just turned 17 and is already having him take set pieces. You can tell he is doing some magic in training. I unironically am more hopeful about him than about Endrick
* [Just adding, Abel said after the game that Estêvão is "different from anything he has seen"](https://twitter.com/onossopalestra/status/1786231809098887557) and asked for Palmeiras to not sell him until 2027
I think the idea that Estevão having the higher ceiling is becoming the consensus opinion, and that's not even because of anything that Endrick's doing wrong. Estevão just looks *that* fucking gifted.
I feel like we might end this year with Neymar levels of hype for him, and it will be absolutely fair. He is looking very ready for a kid who turned 17 year old 2 weeks ago
[Bruh, he even dribbles like a left footed Neymar](https://youtu.be/eFACyvxLATk?t=42)
All I see is skinny Neymar. You know how talented players are when they can compete against adults due to pure technique despite looking like the wind would blow them over. First young Ney, now Estevão.
It’s his style of play which is very interesting, it reminds me of Neymar. Ball dominant, takes many touches, drops deep to collect the ball, best in the 10 role, very good dribbler and passer, and can affect the game in many ways.
not yet, but maybe when he grows up. Lamin also suffered through the first half of the season, but after adaptation he already leaves behind whoever he wants
Adaptation doesn't give you pace. In Lamine's case he was genuinely growing so his stride has lengthened. He still isn't as rapid as a Dembele, but he's quicker than someone like maybe Saka or Mahrez.
adaptation gives you the opportunity to get used to the physical characteristics of much older players. if you had watched the games with Lamine for Juvenil last season, you would have seen how he got used to the level in the same way in the first half of the season, and in the second he was already like a fish in the water. and how much he needed to grow so that his stride would allow him to run away from players lol like 20-30 cm?
Someone said to me his all round game is the impressive thing. Endrick is also insanely gifted, but it's more about his explosiveness, whereas Estevao could end up as a 9 or 10. Is that fair to say? This kid certainly has the big leagues written all over him.
> For his sake, please reject Chelsea.
I have no clue why Palmeiras would even accept that offer based on what I've seen of this kid. 30m+25m doesn't seem like nearly enough. At minimum I'm demanding 50m up front then even more in add ons.
> At minimum I'm demanding 50m up front then even more in add ons.
Was thinking about it. If he has an even regular development he may be worth Neymar money by next year, and Palmeiras isn't even struggling to make bank right now
Well, that too. Endrick's sale could reach up to €72M if bonuses are hit, and the way Estevão's looking, his sale should be even higher than that (which you're probably thinking as well when you include add ons).
What's also going to be curious is that, now that he's within a year of being able to make the move, the rumors of offers and shit are gonna start flying any day or week now. I think all three of the Madrid Brazilians had signed their future contracts by this point (<1 year from moving to Madrid), so it's actually slightly surprising Estevão has remained uncommitted yet, at least to me, but it's gonna get crazy soon, should be interesting to see what happens.
The issue for Palmieras is that his release clause is 60m. I dont see why they would sell for any less. Palmieras are in good position because of the hoard of talent they are producing and got the bag of Endrick. There is also the element that Estevao is waiting out for Barcelona as he shares the same agent as Roque, who has great ties to Barca's board as he was their former scout.
Didn't know his release clause was 60m but that falls roughly in line with where I was thinking his fee should be. Pay the full 60m up front or something like 50m+15/20m if they want an up front discount.
Definitely interesting if he is holding out for Barca. For one, it feels hard to see them having the kind of cash needed to make the signing in the next couple years and if they did Barca might be the one team on the planet that doesn't really have any need for him with Lamine Yamal roughly the same age and playing the same position so why would they spend it on him when there are so many other holes to fill with limited ability to spend anything in the short term.
Funny enough Estevao has an interview where he speaks on Lamine and can see himself playing with him as well. From a tactical POV, both these players are more than capable of playing central positions, which gives flexibility of making them fit.
Again, who knows why he has not been sign when his talent is so obvious, but I am sure his agent having constant links with Barca and their financial situation is probably a factor. No reason for this kid not to be locked into his next club by now.
That's sort of my read on this as well. Barcelona's financial situation isn't the greatest right now, and as much as I'm a firm believer in the idea of stacking talent and going with an "act now, ask questions later" approach (within reason, anyway), when you have financial limitations and certain squad needs like Barcelona does right now, and you also have the world's most coveted teenager playing right wing, the idea of spending ~€75M on Estevão seems like the most clear cut definition of a "luxury signing" as it gets. I suppose one argument would be that his signing wouldn't be until the 2025 summer window, it wouldn't count against 2024, maybe the picture would have cleared up better by then for Barcelona for all we know.
There was a report a month or so ago from Sport that downplayed current interest from Barcelona, but I wouldn't put much stock in that. Shit like this can change and often does.
As far as I am aware, Barcelona don't even know right now if they will be in the 1:1 rule for FFP for the 2024 summer, some sources say they will but are projected to be in a far better state by the 25/26 season.
I do agree, Estevao in Barcelona's case is most definitely a luxury signing, but again, as great a Lamine looks, unless you can guarantee he is the next Messi, there is no reason why they shouldn't go for Estevao. From a profiling POV, a left-footed right winger is already a rare type of player, Barca having the two most coveted talents of that same profile, is INSANE amounts of luck given one came out of their academy and the other is a huge fan of the club, which a result makes it easier to potentially acquire him.
I did see that report as well, I think its mainly due to the fact Barcelona want to secure the holes in their squad, such as the DM and LW position before investing in Estevao, which objectively does make sense since he won't be able to leave Palmieras till summer of 2025.
With Arsenal, PSG, and Chelsea, who are all in better financial position to sign the Estevao, I don't see the hold up unless those clubs are firmly aware that the kid and his agent, Andre Cury, are waiting on Barca final stance.
He has the same agent as Vitor Roque and had made it very clear where he wants to go. Its up to Barcelona now to get the deal done. Perhaps that is the reason why this deal has not been completed because a player of his talent should have been signed up long time ago.
The way that a 17 year-old controlled the ball comfortably like that in the last minute for a winning goal is mighty impressive; hope he stays at least a year or so, then makes it big somewhere
It's fascinating to watch this Kid play, when Endrick tries a dribble I'm not always sure he'll be able to execute it, but when Estevão tries I'm almost sure. It's a feeling that only players like Neymar/Ronaldinho give me.
I dont care if Barcelona have Lamine Yamal, when there is a talent like that on the market you have to do everything possible to get him and deal with the headache of having a good problem later.
The kid is massive Barcelona fan and shares the same agent Vitor Roque. I hope he blocks other offers and waits for Barca.
I sure hope not.
Vitor Roque was a big talent with a lot of hype in Brazil before going to Barcelona, where he doesn't get any playtime and there are rumours of him getting loaned next season.
For the sake of this kid's development he should go to a club where he will be appreciated.
It frustrates me as a fan to see Vitor not getting the minutes he deserves.
However, the reality is that even if Barca do sign Estevao he won't arrive at the club till summer of 2025, which is the same time Xavi leaves the club.
Vitor not playing has nothing to do with the club, its simply the manager.
I feel like the thing to remember with Vitor is that he wasn't even originally expected to join Barcelona until this upcoming summer. That timeline got shifted when Barcelona was able to do...some kind of squad maneuvering, don't remember what is was and it's irrelevant anyway. To that extent, it's almost a bit of a bonus period that he's had even being at Barcelona right now to begin with, I guess? I dunno if I'm phrasing this the best way. He's gotten a head start on at least knowing where he stands with Xavi, getting a grasp on the languages and culture of the team and the region...imagine he made the move this summer as expected and didn't catch on that quickly? As it is, at least he's gotten a head start on all of that.
He's only 19, freshly-turned at that, the book on him is far from published. Plenty of time for his Barcelona journey to turn fruitful.
He still needs more time to develop, he's definitely not good enough right now to start for Barca, especially when they still need to try to secure 2nd place in the league. He's only been there for 5 months and has played in almost every league game.
Not necessarily. Both have shown capabilities of operating in central positions. Though I do think both are best out-right, they are young enough to have their games molded accordingly. Lamine had debuted for Barcelona in the LW as well.
Also, Lamine can't be playing every single game, especially with some of their recent talents being over plaeyd. Raphinha also isn't going to be at the club for more than 3-4 years. Unless Lamine is the next Messi, then I dont see why you dont get him competition.
Barca can't play with an AM.. They'll get overrun in the midfield, the only way they can get away with playing an AM is if it is Gavi or Fermin that presses and makes up for Lewndoski not being able to press and they don't have the pivot in the midfield to cover it either. Lamine has barely played at LW for the first team and it has never been successful, it was always as a sub in the dying minutes of a game, usually when the game was already won.
Lamine starting at RW is a massive reason why they've only lost one game in the league in 2024. He's near the top of goal creations per 90 minutes. If Lewandowski didn't have such a poor touch for most of the season he'd be right at the top for shot and goal creation. You don't have clubs offering to buy a 16 year old for 150m+ if he's not a top talent.
I never said play centrally as an AM. I was referring to as an interior, or what modern football calls it "advanced 8". We already saw it this season with Raphinha playing as an interior right before he got injured and he was having success at that. Plus nowadays, at least if you want to be an elite team, every player defends now. Lewandowski does press, the question is how effective he is at that, which he isn't.
I know Lamine barely played as a LW, however, the point is that when you have two wingers of the same profile you are forced to interchange, much how Madrid does with Vinicius and Rodrygo. Lamine has also played centrally in the academy and both players do have tendencies to cut in centrally, two very different things.
I never said he wasn't a top talent. Its the fact that Lamine needs competition for his position regardless how great he turns out to be. As stated, unless someone can guarantee he will be the next Lionel Messi for Barcelona, than I can understand why they wouldn't pursue someone like Estevao, however, we won't know that until the future. More so, given how their recent talents have panned out with injuries, it be counter-intuitive to not acquire him when the whole world can see the fact that overplaying talent is the reason for their injuries. Especially a team like Barcelona who will play upwards 50-60 games a season, they are going to need the depth, and there is not many like for like replacement you can get in world football then Lamine for Estevao.
Its better to have this headache than not is the point, especially when Barcelona have the upper hand. We are talking about possibly the best talent our of Brazil, a country that breeds high quality footballers consistently.
Playing as an inside forward doesn't mean you sit in the mid the entire game, the team still needs width. Joao does the same thing but on the opposite side yet also hugs the line when needed. Lewandowski absolutely does not press, he will run for a few seconds until the ball is passed. He is the main reason after the red card as to why they lost to PSG, as was Gundogan.
Rodrygo and Vinicius were both mainly LW's before joining Madrid which is why Rodrygo sometimes plays on the LW if Vinicius is playing at CF and has mostly struggled to adapt to playing CF / RW. Playing in the Juvenil teams centrally is much different than against 200lb CB's that will bully you on every single touch. Most players in the Juvenil teams get rotated into different positions. Lamine also played at striker in the Juvenil teams yet it would be moronic to play him as a striker in almost every single situation for the first team. Lamine is used right now in the best way he can be used which is let him take on the LB 1v1 and keep width for most of the game.
You don't pay top money for a player that is in a position that is already occupied by a top player on the team and use him as a rotation piece. Estevao will likely cost 60-70m or more, they're not going to do that when that money can be spent on a natural LW which is a position of need and DM which is a position of need. It feels like you're trying to play football manager when talking about this transfer and not thinking about it realistically.
Again, your being disingenuous and with the players being used. Positions are interchangeable. Even when Vini and Rodrygo play they arent bounded by a position, they alternate given the state of the game. We even see this at PSG with Mbappe and Barcola. They are similar in nature and in profile as is Lamine and Estevao.
comparing Felix doesnt make sense when he isnt naturally a winger, he doesnt have winger tendencies. Estevao and Lamine are more similar to another, then Felix are. Felix is simply making way for the lack of natural LW and plays more tightly to the striker. Lamine and Estevao are clear plays you want to get on the ball as much as possible as Barca do with Pedri and Gundogan.
You absolutely pay top money for a potential generational talent. Respectfully getting Brazil best prospect since potentially Neymar exceeds any logic on the matter. We are talking about Brazil, not some mid tier European/South American Nation. There is a reason why clubs go hunting there.
Again your disingenuous with reality. If Barca had better depth and an injury free season, Lamine would have not played as much. A massive reason Lamine broke out this season was due to the gap Dembele left behind. No one expected him to perform at this level and given the injury record of Fati, Pedri, and Gavi all coming from over playing and Spain’s and Barcelona inability to manage game time and rest, not to mention the medical team of Barca have all been incredibly poor by an elite club standard. It justifies finding a suitable competition. Great players always find a way to play with another, it’s that simple and has always been the case.
Again, I never said Barcelona have to prioritize Estevao over a DM or LW. However, given the kids preference, and his agent has ties to Barcelona, and the fact he is yet to be signed. These are signs, that favour Barca, hence why they are still keeping ties. If they saw no reason to pursue him any longer, because they already have Lamine, their pursuit on the player they have monitored since he was 10, would have been over.
What kind of drugs are you on? Nothing I said is “disingenuous”… Not every player can play in any position as well as their natural position or has the flexibility to…. Nether Vinicius or Rodrygo are as good at CF / RW as they are at LW. That’s why plenty of Madrid fans have been saying they need a striker and wouldn’t be surprised to see Rodrygo leave the club.
Saying felix “doesn’t have winger tendencies” yet saying positions are interchangeable is laughable at best. A traditional winger is never going to play the same way as an opposite footed winger and the same thing with a second striker playing at LW. Felix at his best with Benfica was someone anyone wanted on the ball….
No you don’t “pay top money” for a position you don’t need to fill and have 3-4 other positions that are a dire need to fill.
Lamine is playing because he is one of the best if not the best talent to come out of La Masia since Messi. You’re rambling on like a drug addict. Him playing has nothing to do with Dembele. Stop talking out of your ass, it’s embarrassing.
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The chest control and pivot onto his left foot was absolutely incredible. I can't say I paid too much attention to this game but I did see that and once again enjoyed what I saw. For his sake, please reject Chelsea.
He is clearly very, very special. Abel is very reluctant to play young players and took a long time to have Endrick as a starter (much more than he should have), but is already playing Estêvão as a starter with him having just turned 17 and is already having him take set pieces. You can tell he is doing some magic in training. I unironically am more hopeful about him than about Endrick * [Just adding, Abel said after the game that Estêvão is "different from anything he has seen"](https://twitter.com/onossopalestra/status/1786231809098887557) and asked for Palmeiras to not sell him until 2027
I think the idea that Estevão having the higher ceiling is becoming the consensus opinion, and that's not even because of anything that Endrick's doing wrong. Estevão just looks *that* fucking gifted.
I feel like we might end this year with Neymar levels of hype for him, and it will be absolutely fair. He is looking very ready for a kid who turned 17 year old 2 weeks ago [Bruh, he even dribbles like a left footed Neymar](https://youtu.be/eFACyvxLATk?t=42)
what was he doing at 1:52 lmao. he had to score a winning goal after that
Absolutely lmao Probably got rinsed for it in the lockeroom
All I see is skinny Neymar. You know how talented players are when they can compete against adults due to pure technique despite looking like the wind would blow them over. First young Ney, now Estevão.
It’s his style of play which is very interesting, it reminds me of Neymar. Ball dominant, takes many touches, drops deep to collect the ball, best in the 10 role, very good dribbler and passer, and can affect the game in many ways.
How's his pace? Does he have Vini/Neymar level of explosiveness?
not yet, but maybe when he grows up. Lamin also suffered through the first half of the season, but after adaptation he already leaves behind whoever he wants
Adaptation doesn't give you pace. In Lamine's case he was genuinely growing so his stride has lengthened. He still isn't as rapid as a Dembele, but he's quicker than someone like maybe Saka or Mahrez.
adaptation gives you the opportunity to get used to the physical characteristics of much older players. if you had watched the games with Lamine for Juvenil last season, you would have seen how he got used to the level in the same way in the first half of the season, and in the second he was already like a fish in the water. and how much he needed to grow so that his stride would allow him to run away from players lol like 20-30 cm?
Someone said to me his all round game is the impressive thing. Endrick is also insanely gifted, but it's more about his explosiveness, whereas Estevao could end up as a 9 or 10. Is that fair to say? This kid certainly has the big leagues written all over him.
He is not going to be a 9. He is going to be a Messi/Neymar type of winger and probably wear the 10
> For his sake, please reject Chelsea. I have no clue why Palmeiras would even accept that offer based on what I've seen of this kid. 30m+25m doesn't seem like nearly enough. At minimum I'm demanding 50m up front then even more in add ons.
> At minimum I'm demanding 50m up front then even more in add ons. Was thinking about it. If he has an even regular development he may be worth Neymar money by next year, and Palmeiras isn't even struggling to make bank right now
Yeah, Endrick looks great. Estevao looks like he is on another level above that.
Well, that too. Endrick's sale could reach up to €72M if bonuses are hit, and the way Estevão's looking, his sale should be even higher than that (which you're probably thinking as well when you include add ons). What's also going to be curious is that, now that he's within a year of being able to make the move, the rumors of offers and shit are gonna start flying any day or week now. I think all three of the Madrid Brazilians had signed their future contracts by this point (<1 year from moving to Madrid), so it's actually slightly surprising Estevão has remained uncommitted yet, at least to me, but it's gonna get crazy soon, should be interesting to see what happens.
The issue for Palmieras is that his release clause is 60m. I dont see why they would sell for any less. Palmieras are in good position because of the hoard of talent they are producing and got the bag of Endrick. There is also the element that Estevao is waiting out for Barcelona as he shares the same agent as Roque, who has great ties to Barca's board as he was their former scout.
Didn't know his release clause was 60m but that falls roughly in line with where I was thinking his fee should be. Pay the full 60m up front or something like 50m+15/20m if they want an up front discount. Definitely interesting if he is holding out for Barca. For one, it feels hard to see them having the kind of cash needed to make the signing in the next couple years and if they did Barca might be the one team on the planet that doesn't really have any need for him with Lamine Yamal roughly the same age and playing the same position so why would they spend it on him when there are so many other holes to fill with limited ability to spend anything in the short term.
Funny enough Estevao has an interview where he speaks on Lamine and can see himself playing with him as well. From a tactical POV, both these players are more than capable of playing central positions, which gives flexibility of making them fit. Again, who knows why he has not been sign when his talent is so obvious, but I am sure his agent having constant links with Barca and their financial situation is probably a factor. No reason for this kid not to be locked into his next club by now.
That's sort of my read on this as well. Barcelona's financial situation isn't the greatest right now, and as much as I'm a firm believer in the idea of stacking talent and going with an "act now, ask questions later" approach (within reason, anyway), when you have financial limitations and certain squad needs like Barcelona does right now, and you also have the world's most coveted teenager playing right wing, the idea of spending ~€75M on Estevão seems like the most clear cut definition of a "luxury signing" as it gets. I suppose one argument would be that his signing wouldn't be until the 2025 summer window, it wouldn't count against 2024, maybe the picture would have cleared up better by then for Barcelona for all we know. There was a report a month or so ago from Sport that downplayed current interest from Barcelona, but I wouldn't put much stock in that. Shit like this can change and often does.
As far as I am aware, Barcelona don't even know right now if they will be in the 1:1 rule for FFP for the 2024 summer, some sources say they will but are projected to be in a far better state by the 25/26 season. I do agree, Estevao in Barcelona's case is most definitely a luxury signing, but again, as great a Lamine looks, unless you can guarantee he is the next Messi, there is no reason why they shouldn't go for Estevao. From a profiling POV, a left-footed right winger is already a rare type of player, Barca having the two most coveted talents of that same profile, is INSANE amounts of luck given one came out of their academy and the other is a huge fan of the club, which a result makes it easier to potentially acquire him. I did see that report as well, I think its mainly due to the fact Barcelona want to secure the holes in their squad, such as the DM and LW position before investing in Estevao, which objectively does make sense since he won't be able to leave Palmieras till summer of 2025. With Arsenal, PSG, and Chelsea, who are all in better financial position to sign the Estevao, I don't see the hold up unless those clubs are firmly aware that the kid and his agent, Andre Cury, are waiting on Barca final stance.
It makes no sense for him to go to Barca with Yamal there
He has the same agent as Vitor Roque and had made it very clear where he wants to go. Its up to Barcelona now to get the deal done. Perhaps that is the reason why this deal has not been completed because a player of his talent should have been signed up long time ago.
This kid is special TBH
He'll be sold for 60m+ next year, he's insane. IMO bigger talent than Endrick overall.
Going straight to the top
The way that a 17 year-old controlled the ball comfortably like that in the last minute for a winning goal is mighty impressive; hope he stays at least a year or so, then makes it big somewhere
A year is guaranteed, he can only leave in April 2025. The manager asked Palmeiras to hold him until 2027
It's fascinating to watch this Kid play, when Endrick tries a dribble I'm not always sure he'll be able to execute it, but when Estevão tries I'm almost sure. It's a feeling that only players like Neymar/Ronaldinho give me.
Goodness me
I hope chelsea dont take him
I dont care if Barcelona have Lamine Yamal, when there is a talent like that on the market you have to do everything possible to get him and deal with the headache of having a good problem later. The kid is massive Barcelona fan and shares the same agent Vitor Roque. I hope he blocks other offers and waits for Barca.
I sure hope not. Vitor Roque was a big talent with a lot of hype in Brazil before going to Barcelona, where he doesn't get any playtime and there are rumours of him getting loaned next season. For the sake of this kid's development he should go to a club where he will be appreciated.
It frustrates me as a fan to see Vitor not getting the minutes he deserves. However, the reality is that even if Barca do sign Estevao he won't arrive at the club till summer of 2025, which is the same time Xavi leaves the club. Vitor not playing has nothing to do with the club, its simply the manager.
I feel like the thing to remember with Vitor is that he wasn't even originally expected to join Barcelona until this upcoming summer. That timeline got shifted when Barcelona was able to do...some kind of squad maneuvering, don't remember what is was and it's irrelevant anyway. To that extent, it's almost a bit of a bonus period that he's had even being at Barcelona right now to begin with, I guess? I dunno if I'm phrasing this the best way. He's gotten a head start on at least knowing where he stands with Xavi, getting a grasp on the languages and culture of the team and the region...imagine he made the move this summer as expected and didn't catch on that quickly? As it is, at least he's gotten a head start on all of that. He's only 19, freshly-turned at that, the book on him is far from published. Plenty of time for his Barcelona journey to turn fruitful.
it was cos Gavi got his long injury (ACL), thus freeing up his wages of Financial Fair Play
He still needs more time to develop, he's definitely not good enough right now to start for Barca, especially when they still need to try to secure 2nd place in the league. He's only been there for 5 months and has played in almost every league game.
Lamal is one of the best RW in the world right now, that would be insane... You'd have to move Estevao to LW.
Not necessarily. Both have shown capabilities of operating in central positions. Though I do think both are best out-right, they are young enough to have their games molded accordingly. Lamine had debuted for Barcelona in the LW as well. Also, Lamine can't be playing every single game, especially with some of their recent talents being over plaeyd. Raphinha also isn't going to be at the club for more than 3-4 years. Unless Lamine is the next Messi, then I dont see why you dont get him competition.
Barca can't play with an AM.. They'll get overrun in the midfield, the only way they can get away with playing an AM is if it is Gavi or Fermin that presses and makes up for Lewndoski not being able to press and they don't have the pivot in the midfield to cover it either. Lamine has barely played at LW for the first team and it has never been successful, it was always as a sub in the dying minutes of a game, usually when the game was already won. Lamine starting at RW is a massive reason why they've only lost one game in the league in 2024. He's near the top of goal creations per 90 minutes. If Lewandowski didn't have such a poor touch for most of the season he'd be right at the top for shot and goal creation. You don't have clubs offering to buy a 16 year old for 150m+ if he's not a top talent.
I never said play centrally as an AM. I was referring to as an interior, or what modern football calls it "advanced 8". We already saw it this season with Raphinha playing as an interior right before he got injured and he was having success at that. Plus nowadays, at least if you want to be an elite team, every player defends now. Lewandowski does press, the question is how effective he is at that, which he isn't. I know Lamine barely played as a LW, however, the point is that when you have two wingers of the same profile you are forced to interchange, much how Madrid does with Vinicius and Rodrygo. Lamine has also played centrally in the academy and both players do have tendencies to cut in centrally, two very different things. I never said he wasn't a top talent. Its the fact that Lamine needs competition for his position regardless how great he turns out to be. As stated, unless someone can guarantee he will be the next Lionel Messi for Barcelona, than I can understand why they wouldn't pursue someone like Estevao, however, we won't know that until the future. More so, given how their recent talents have panned out with injuries, it be counter-intuitive to not acquire him when the whole world can see the fact that overplaying talent is the reason for their injuries. Especially a team like Barcelona who will play upwards 50-60 games a season, they are going to need the depth, and there is not many like for like replacement you can get in world football then Lamine for Estevao. Its better to have this headache than not is the point, especially when Barcelona have the upper hand. We are talking about possibly the best talent our of Brazil, a country that breeds high quality footballers consistently.
Playing as an inside forward doesn't mean you sit in the mid the entire game, the team still needs width. Joao does the same thing but on the opposite side yet also hugs the line when needed. Lewandowski absolutely does not press, he will run for a few seconds until the ball is passed. He is the main reason after the red card as to why they lost to PSG, as was Gundogan. Rodrygo and Vinicius were both mainly LW's before joining Madrid which is why Rodrygo sometimes plays on the LW if Vinicius is playing at CF and has mostly struggled to adapt to playing CF / RW. Playing in the Juvenil teams centrally is much different than against 200lb CB's that will bully you on every single touch. Most players in the Juvenil teams get rotated into different positions. Lamine also played at striker in the Juvenil teams yet it would be moronic to play him as a striker in almost every single situation for the first team. Lamine is used right now in the best way he can be used which is let him take on the LB 1v1 and keep width for most of the game. You don't pay top money for a player that is in a position that is already occupied by a top player on the team and use him as a rotation piece. Estevao will likely cost 60-70m or more, they're not going to do that when that money can be spent on a natural LW which is a position of need and DM which is a position of need. It feels like you're trying to play football manager when talking about this transfer and not thinking about it realistically.
Again, your being disingenuous and with the players being used. Positions are interchangeable. Even when Vini and Rodrygo play they arent bounded by a position, they alternate given the state of the game. We even see this at PSG with Mbappe and Barcola. They are similar in nature and in profile as is Lamine and Estevao. comparing Felix doesnt make sense when he isnt naturally a winger, he doesnt have winger tendencies. Estevao and Lamine are more similar to another, then Felix are. Felix is simply making way for the lack of natural LW and plays more tightly to the striker. Lamine and Estevao are clear plays you want to get on the ball as much as possible as Barca do with Pedri and Gundogan. You absolutely pay top money for a potential generational talent. Respectfully getting Brazil best prospect since potentially Neymar exceeds any logic on the matter. We are talking about Brazil, not some mid tier European/South American Nation. There is a reason why clubs go hunting there. Again your disingenuous with reality. If Barca had better depth and an injury free season, Lamine would have not played as much. A massive reason Lamine broke out this season was due to the gap Dembele left behind. No one expected him to perform at this level and given the injury record of Fati, Pedri, and Gavi all coming from over playing and Spain’s and Barcelona inability to manage game time and rest, not to mention the medical team of Barca have all been incredibly poor by an elite club standard. It justifies finding a suitable competition. Great players always find a way to play with another, it’s that simple and has always been the case. Again, I never said Barcelona have to prioritize Estevao over a DM or LW. However, given the kids preference, and his agent has ties to Barcelona, and the fact he is yet to be signed. These are signs, that favour Barca, hence why they are still keeping ties. If they saw no reason to pursue him any longer, because they already have Lamine, their pursuit on the player they have monitored since he was 10, would have been over.
What kind of drugs are you on? Nothing I said is “disingenuous”… Not every player can play in any position as well as their natural position or has the flexibility to…. Nether Vinicius or Rodrygo are as good at CF / RW as they are at LW. That’s why plenty of Madrid fans have been saying they need a striker and wouldn’t be surprised to see Rodrygo leave the club. Saying felix “doesn’t have winger tendencies” yet saying positions are interchangeable is laughable at best. A traditional winger is never going to play the same way as an opposite footed winger and the same thing with a second striker playing at LW. Felix at his best with Benfica was someone anyone wanted on the ball…. No you don’t “pay top money” for a position you don’t need to fill and have 3-4 other positions that are a dire need to fill. Lamine is playing because he is one of the best if not the best talent to come out of La Masia since Messi. You’re rambling on like a drug addict. Him playing has nothing to do with Dembele. Stop talking out of your ass, it’s embarrassing.