Roberto Di Matteo, the architect of Chelsea’s stunning Champions League triumph in 2012, has singled out a young star poised for greatness. The player, already a vital component of the Brazilian national team, is rapidly captivating observers with his skill and maturity.
Despite his tender age, the youngster has already notched five goals in seventeen appearances this season, making a significant impact particularly in the Champions League. His manager, however, has been cautious about immediately thrusting him into the Premier League spotlight.
Fans are passionately advocating for his inclusion in the starting eleven against Arsenal, and Di Matteo admits he’s been genuinely impressed by the speed of the player’s adaptation to English life. The transition, encompassing a new country, language, and culture, has been remarkably smooth.
“It amazes me how mature he is for his age,” Di Matteo revealed. He recalled watching the player compete in the FIFA Club World Cup while at Palmeiras, but confessed to being surprised by his seamless integration into the demanding environment of English football.
Beyond his on-field talent, Di Matteo emphasized the player’s grounded personality and strong family support system. This stability, he believes, has been instrumental in his successful settling into London and the Chelsea training grounds at Cobham.
Di Matteo described his initial reaction to seeing the player in the United States: “Wow, this is a special talent.” He acknowledged the player is still developing, but firmly believes he possesses a unique combination of skills and attributes that will propel him to the very top of the game.
Turning his attention to Chelsea’s upcoming opponents, Di Matteo offered a candid assessment of Arsenal’s current form. He conceded that they appear “unstoppable” at the moment, a testament to their consistent performance over the past few seasons.
Arsenal’s strength, he explained, lies in their rock-solid defensive organization, which has resulted in the fewest goals conceded in the Premier League. However, their attacking prowess adds another layer of complexity, making them a formidable opponent.
The key to unlocking Arsenal’s defense, according to Di Matteo, is the ability to bypass their relentless high press. Successfully navigating that initial wave of pressure is crucial, as it creates space and opportunities that might otherwise be stifled.
He emphasized that failing to overcome the first press will likely result in being completely overwhelmed by Arsenal’s suffocating style of play, highlighting the immense challenge facing any team attempting to break them down.
