Twenty3’s Under 23s to watch: Vitor Roque
Brazil has long been renowned for producing top footballing talents — and Vitor Roque could be the next in line.
Barcelona have acted swiftly after being convinced by the 18-year-old’s excellent form for Athletico Paranaense, signing him to a deal which will start in 2024.
Using Twenty3’s analysis tools, we take a closer look at the electric centre-forward and his numerous qualities.
Fox in the box
The Brazilian Serie A produces a plethora of talents and Roque, at 18, already appears ready-made to take on Europe.
His shot map depicts a predatory penalty-box striker who is adept at sniffing out chances.
Despite the majority of his goals coming from within the width of the six-yard box — the most dangerous area of the pitch — he is still overperforming in front of goal.
The forward has netted seven league goals from an xG of 5.35 this term.
His capacity to find the back of the net even when the odds are against him will surely serve him well on his European adventure.
Fluid forward
Roque is predominantly a central striker but can also play on either wing.
The key actions visualisation reveals that his influence in the final third is stretched out across the width of the pitch.
This is due to the fact he likes to drift out wide, particularly to the left, where he can take on players and unleash shots with his lethal right foot.
Furthermore, the striker is confident using his supposedly weaker left foot, allowing him to unsettle defenders with his ability to go either way and ensuring he is comfortable across the front line.
That skill may also have contributed to his fine total of 56 attacking duels won in the league this season.
The graphic also depicts a player who is strong in the air — an observation that can be backed up by the fact that he has registered 0.65 headed efforts per 90 in league competition this term.
This is particularly impressive given he stands at just 5ft 6in, and his physicality will certainly make the transition to European football easier.
Impressive start
Roque’s start to the season has been remarkable.
His goal return of seven is the second-best figure in the league with Tiquinho Soares, 32, the only player who can better his tally (10).
The forward’s tally of 44 touches in the opposition area ranks seventh in the division and reinforces the perception of him as a poacher — but his two assists suggest he has more strings to his bow.
Roque has even caught the attention of the Brazil national team, with the teenager even making his senior international debut against Morocco in March, making him the youngest player to play for the Selecao since Ronaldo Nazario in 1994.
The Brazilian appears destined for stardom — and Barcelona will eagerly anticipate his arrival in Catalonia next year.
All visualisations in this article were produced with the Twenty3 Toolbox. For more information, please get in touch below.