Dos Santos to be Unleashed?

Whilst the British press have focused on his unlikely looking transfer to Chelsea, the real Ronaldinho news story this week appears to have been glossed over completely in this country.

Yesterday, Ronaldinho was granted dual-citizenship by the Spanish authorities, which essentially means that he is no longer classed as a non-EU player. Each team in Spain are only allowed to register three non-EU players to take part in a matchday squad. The fact that Barcelona had already reached this limit was holding back the introduction of their latest teen prodigy into the squad.

With Ronaldinho now a dual-citizen, the path has been cleared for Barcelona to register teenage Mexican forward Giovani Dos Santos, whether or not his own dual-citizenship application is successful.

Anyone who watched the recent Under 20 World Cup will know what a prodigious talent Dos Santos possesses. A small but deceptively strong player, his inch perfect ball control, great awareness of those around him and ability to strike the ball with both power and accuracy with his left foot, certainly make Dos Santos a menace for any opposition defence to deal with. In a way, words fail to do him justice, so this video may help paint a clearer picture of his talents.



Although Barcelona already have exceptional options in attack, the inclusion of Dos Santos into their matchday squads may just give them that little bit of a suprise factor as Lionel Messi did when he first broke into the first team picture a couple of years ago. After a disappointing 0-0 draw against Racing Santander in their opening Spanish league game, it certainly looks like they need a bit of spark, and Dos Santos might just be the man to give it to them.

Aguero nets Goal of the Tournament award

Not content with winning the awards for top goalscorer and best overall player, Sergio Aguero has now also picked up the goal of the tournament award, after a vote by users of FIFA.com.

His goal against Poland in the second round has been chosen as the best goal, with Giovanni Dos Santos' half volley for Mexico against Gambia coming in second. Aguero also tied third place for his goal against Korea DPR, sharing the position with Luis Suarez of Uruguay for his strike against Spain.

The full top ten list, along with videos of all the goals can be found on FIFA.com

Friday Transfer Gossip

First off, the Gazetta Della Sport (Italian link) report that Alexandre Pato's agent Gilmar Veloz was in Milan yesterday to discuss a move for the talented striker. AC are looking to strike a deal before fellow interested parties Chelsea and Real Madrid get in on the act.

Marca (Spanish link) report that Valencia are not going to be forced into a quick resolution of the transfer of Lucho Gonzalez from FC Porto. Although the player is their number one target for the attacking midfielder position, they are saying calm in the negotiations.

Atletico Madrid are believed to be close to agreeing a fee with Villarreal for Juan Riquelme, thought to be in the region of 10million Euros, according to Marca (Spanish link).

Riquelme's Boca Juniors teammate Martin Palermo has pleaded with the club to do all they can to keep the playmaker at the club in Ole (Spanish link).

Whereas Marca (Spanish link) also report that Real Madrid may turn to the talented Argentine after missing out on Cesc Fabregas. However, they are understood to have questions about his character and could turn instead to Werder Breman's Brazilian playmaker Diego.

Arsenal are weighing up whether to apply for a work permit for Mexican wonderkid Carlos Vela, as reported by the Daily Mirror. He can obtain an EU passport if he stays on loan in Spain until January, but Arsenal may feel that their situation means they need him in the squad sooner, rather than later.

Marca (Spanish link) report that Barcelona are also having nationalisation problems with their Mexican youngster Giovanni Dos Santos. The club currently have too many players without EU passports, which will limit the playing time they are able to give the talented eighteen year old, hence the need to get him a Spanish passport.

Finally, Sky Sports report that Carlos Tevez will be in England next Wednesday for his Manchester United medical. It will be interesting to see whether the other paperwork regarding the deal is also sorted by that time.