The young Portuguese star currently playing in Brazil

Portugal boast plenty of young talent in their home country, many of whom have gone on to make high profile moves across the continent, but one hot prospect for the Portugal national team is currently playing in Brazil.

Plenty of Brazilians make the move across the Atlantic to ply their trade in Europe, with Portugal more often than not their desired destination and route into the continent, but the reverse is very rare indeed. It is not all that often that you see a Portugal youth international playing in South America, or any continent other than Europe for that matter.

One clear exception to that rule, though, is Marcos Paulo. The 19-year old, who is currently on the books of Brazil’s Fluminense and has been linked with some high-profile moves to Europe, is a truly exciting prospect, and it seems that Portugal can count on him for the future, with Paulo having already represented Portugal at youth level.

A forward capable of playing anywhere along the front line, the versatility of Marcos Paulo was clearly on show last season, where he played 30 matches for Fluminense across all competitions, utilised in various positions throughout the campaign, be it on the left, right, or through the middle.

30 matches for a 19 year old in a single season - including 24 appearances in the Brazilian top flight - is an impressive feat, while his 4 goals and 4 assists indicate that he was also a productive asset for his side.

Through the middle seemed to be where he thrived in particular, with 3 of his goals and 3 of his assists coming in his 11 showings as a centre forward. For a nation that has struggled to have top-class centre forwards, that’s certainly a cause for optimism for fans of the Portugal national team.

A future Portugal international?

Born and raised in Brazil, Marcos Paulo may not be a name many in Portugal are familiar with - and some may be wondering why he’s even considered a young Portuguese star.

And it’s a fair point. Not only was Paulo born in Rio de Janeiro, but he has also spent the entirety of his career in Brazil, joining the Fluminense youth team all the way back in 2012 when aged 11, making his professional debut for the club in January 2019 just before his 18th birthday.

However, while he clearly has firm roots in Brazil, Paulo is eligible to represent the Portugal national team through one of his grandfathers, who was born in Vila Real. While that may seem a tenuous link to many, it seems to have had quite an impact on Marcos Paulo, who has already represented Portugal at both U18 and U19 level - and has been incredibly impressive for both.

For the Portugal U18s, Paulo was one of the stars of the national team as he scored in victories against both Mexico and Dernmark to lead Portugal to victory in the Porto International Tournament.

How good is Marcos Paulo?

There’s plenty to be excited about regarding Marcos Paulo. Though just 19 years of age, he’s certainly not lacking in confidence, seeming to possess that professionalism and maturity required for young players to get to the top. He looks as though he has a great understanding of the game, with good decision-making in the final third, and seems to have a great relationship with the ball, looking very comfortable in possession.

He’s also an inventive player when neccessary; some of the passes he’s pulled off and some of the instances when he’s managed to wriggle free of trouble indicate that he has the desirable arrogance on the football pitch to push boundaries and create something from nothing. Around the edge of the box, he is able to toy with the defenders with his close control and his ability to both cross and shoot, and that no doubt what makes him such a versatile player, able to play on the wing or as the focal point through the middle.

Standing at 185cm, he’s also a good physical presence, but maintains the athleticism to remain quick and agile enough to dance around the football pitch and operate as a highly competent, skilful winger.

He also seems to be a determined player, both on and off the pitch, and works hard for his team. He’s hungry to be in possession - not in a selfish way, but he knows that he can make something happen if given half a chance. And at just 19 years of age, these are incredibly positive traits.

One thing you could say, though, is that while he has scored some decent goals in his career, he doesn’t come across as a natural goalscorer, and can look a little awkward when taking on a shot. This is something that will ultimately improve with time, but his composure in the box is perhaps the one aspect that could do with improving if he is to become an out-and-out striker rather than a winger.

Could he be on the move this summer?

Marcos Paulo is clearly high-rated by Fluminense. At the age of 17, he was given a contract with a 45 million euro release clause - and that remains the case today.

The problem for Fluminense, though, is that he only has one year remaining on his contract, meaning that they may well need to sell him for a reduced price this summer.

Indeed, the suggestions are Paulo is not interested in signing a new contract with Fluminense, with clubs from Europe looking to bring in the talented teenager.

Barcelona are one of the leading clubs to have reportedly shown interest in Paulo, and Fluminense, particularly considering the current global situation, are believed to be willing to listen to offers, and could sell him for as little as 7 million euros.

CSKA Moscow are another club that have shown interest in Paulo, and you certainly can’t rule out Paulo moving to a Portuguese club this summer, either.