With speculation around Kenedy moving to Chelsea increasing, it’s worth finding out more about the player dubbed “the next Neymar”. Predominately a right-winger with the versatility to play as a striker, Kenedy did enough to impress the Fluminense scouts and made his way through their Xerém youth system, following the footsteps of the Da Silva twins and Thiago Silva. His performances in the youth team earned him 13 call ups to the Brazil U17 squad, recording 6 goals along the way. Earning him a call up to the Brazil U20 squad where he has 7 appearances and 1 goal. His performances led to his promotion to the first team when Wellington Nem was sold to Shakhtar Donetsk.
With 18 of his 20 appearances in the 2014 season coming off the bench, it’s evident he’s still got work to do to break into the Fluminense starting XI. This would imply that if Chelsea do sign the teenager, he would more than likely be out on loan for a while to develop his skills playing first-team football until ready to return.
With Fluminense agreeing to sell his economic rights to Giuliano Bertolucci’s agency, this puts Chelsea as the bookies favourite to snap the starlet up, with Bertolucci also engineering Oscar, Ramires and Willian’s moves to Chelsea. Another advantage for The Blues is that the forward is respresented by Deco, who spent a couple of seasons at SW6. With Diego Costa and Filipe Luis also at the bridge, it looks an attractive outfit for Kenedy to sign for with other Brazilians plying their trade at the club.
Last month Fluminense source Eduardo Valdes said “There was contact with Chelsea recently. It was through Deco, who is now his agent. It was an approach, not a formal offer though. Half of Europe is following him”.
Standing at 5 foot 11 inches at the age of 19, he could still grow to 6 foot, or even beyond which would make him different to other wingers who don’t usually tend to be as tall. His primary gifts come in the form of blistering pace and a powerhouse left foot. With the confidence to run at defenders and the talent to beat them he’s certainly one to look out for. Although his light-weight frame is deceiving as he holds remarkable physical strength for his age which allows him to force his way past markers and hold them off when necessary. Just check this obscene piece of skill he pulled off against Argentina U20’s.
However the winger is extremely one-footed and although he’s not alone in this (Arjen Robben), this can make him a little predictable at times, with defenders safely assuming he’s going to cut to his left foot at every opportunity. He would also need to improve his defensive contributions if he were to play for a club like Chelsea, as wingers in Brazil are rarely required to track back.
Kenedy though appears to have the hunger required to learn and improve all aspects of his game, which will hold him in good stead. With a move to Chelsea looking ever likely, I’m personally hoping he will be loaned out to a one of the better quality Portuguese sides who are proven as finishing schools for South American players. Note: David Luiz, Ramires, Falcao, Hulk, James Rodriguez, Di Maria,Coentrao and the recent Danilo.
