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6 December 2018
Atletico Mineiro : Emerson, more than a young prospect
The 19-year-old right back Emerson Aparecido, seen at the Maurice Revello Tournament 2017, has enjoyed an impressive debut season in the Brazilian Serie A. His promising campaign helped him to make a name for himself…
Few months after his participation at the Maurice Revello Tournament 2017, Emerson Aparecido made his Brazilian Serie A debut with Ponte Preta on November 2017. One year later, the Brazilian youngster has stepped up to the next level.
This astonishing rise started with a transfer move to Atletico Mineiro. The Copa Libertadores 2013 winners, who boasted in their squad Brazilian legends like Claudio Taffarel and Ronaldinho few years ago, have decided on April to bank on the 19-year-old right back.
A successful gamble as Emerson quickly cemented his place in the Atletico Mineiro starting XI, finishing the year with 23 league games started. His first season in the Brazilian top flight has been marked by his first goal in the Brasileirao : a stunner netted against Sport Recife (5-2) on September.
Most recently, during the last Matchday held few days ago, Emerson helped his side to clinch a 1-0 win over Botafogo as he delivered an assist. Thanks to this victory, Atletico Mineiro secured a spot for the Copa Libertadores.
Will Emerson play this competition ? His convincing performances have attracted interest from several European clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Paris SG and FC Barcelona according to Brazilian sources. The local outlet UOL Esporte reported that the FC Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal went especially to Brazil to monitor one of his games.
Except a possible move in Europe, the Brazil international U20 has an imminent challenge ahead of him with his national team : the South American championship U20. Commonly known as the Sudamericano, this competition will be played at the beginning of 2019 and will serve as a qualifying tournament for the World Cup U20 held in Poland next summer.
Amayes Brahmi
