"Findus Crispy Pancakes for dinner - YES!"
You know the drill: Portuguese side brings in player from South America. South American player impresses - both domestically and in Europe. Team in more established league signs said player for big bucks.
The same well-trodden path could be about to be walked by Porto’s Columbian striker Radamel Falcao, who arrived in Portugal from River Plate this summer and has already proven himself a more than capable goalscorer.
In the past, several Premier League sides have been linked with a move for Falcao – notably Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United – and the striker appears to have all the attributes required to be a hit in English football.
Here, brought to you with the help of the good folk at Championship Manager, is our scouting report into the 23 year old Columbian…
Radamel Falcao García Zárate
Date of Birth: 10th February 1986 (23 years old)
Nationality: Colombian
Club: FC Porto
Position: Centre Forward
Transfer Value: £10 million
Career History:
Falcao played at youth level for Columbian sides Millonarios and Chia FC before being snapped up by Argentine giants River Plate in 2001, aged just 15. He made his breakthrough into the River first team in 2005, scored in each of his first seven starts.
Injuries took their toll in 2006/07, with a nagging knee ligament injury restricting him to mainly substitute appearances. He finally made a return to full fitness in the autumn of 2007. He made a quick return to form, earning a place in the South American team of 2007 – as voted by the continents top sports writers – before winning his first domestic title with River in July 2008.
In total he made 89 league appearances and scored 34 goals, before making his move to Portugal in the summer.
"It's just a flesh wound..."
Playing Style:
The Columbian was nicknamed ‘el Tigre’ (the tiger) by the River Plate fans for his fighting spirit; Falcao displays a passion and intensity for the game reminiscent of fellow South American Carlos Tevez.
He is an all round, combative centre forward who constantly asks questions of centre backs. Despite only measuring 177cm in height, he is surprisingly very strong in the air. He attacks the ball with real purpose and is often seen beating players to the ball who are much taller. He is a very mobile player who possesses good movement in and around the penalty area.
He has started his Porto career brilliantly scoring seven goals in seven games in the league so far this season – 10 in nine in all competitions. This has seen him quickly establish himself as a fans favourite. He has already scored in the Champions League with an impressive back heel against Atletico Madrid.
Strengths:
All round robust centre forward with excellent heading ability and finishes well with both feet. Uses his muscular frame to good effect and is very good at bringing others in his team into play.
Weakness:
His career has suffered a little through a series of niggling injuries, although so far this season he has been injury free. If he is to move to a bigger club he will need to work on his long shots and finishing.
What Next?
If Falcao can continue to play well for Porto and establish himself as one of the better players in the league, a move to a top European club is surely in the offing. He would certainly be suited to the Premier League in England, but possibly not for a season or two yet.
Talentspotter Ratings:
• Shooting 7.9
• Passing 6.9
• Heading 8.6
• Tackling 2.9
• Pace 8.2
• Work-rate 7.6
• Crossing 6.3
• Creativity 7.0
• Dribbling 7.5
• Overall 7.7
