A Portuguese or Brazilian centre-back can be much more than a signing. The number of great defenders, physically complete, tactically balanced and with enormous adaptability to play outside their country has made them a guarantee for many years. Finding one is therefore always a good opportunity to find future potential or immediate performance.
We wanted to use all our filters to find centre-backs who, outside the three big historical Portuguese clubs (Porto, Benfica and Sporting), could be interesting to make the next step.
Filipe Relvas – Portimonense – 3.5M market value
It’s no surprise or emergence but Filipe Relvas has been performing really well in Primeira Liga. Left-sided centre-back, with very good on-ball metrics and very intense in duels, with good mobility to go out to the wing to correct opponent’s progressions or anticipate inside receptions. Very high rates of success in defensive duels, always giving off a sense of security and consistency in all types of defensive hits.
Rafael Fernandes – Arouca – 700k market value
21 year old centre-back from Sporting Portugal, signed on a free transfer from Arouca, who is having a great season. Very safe in the pass, with good long movement, good in the air (1.91m tall) and good in one on one. A very interesting profile for youth, performance and physical potential and room for improvement. Very interesting conditions for the future.
Otavio – Famalicao – 1.5M market value
Left-footed Brazilian centre-back, 21 years old, Flamengo youth team, who has settled in Famalicao’s backline. Good in the long run and with good numbers in aerial duels, he has become a starter at Famalicao, progressing with confidence. He may be a lower profile player than Relvas or Fernandes but he could be a player to watch for clubs with lesser chances in the second division of the big leagues or in the first division of the second tier.
Gabriel Pereira – Gil Vicente – 1.5M market value
Another very complete profile is the Brazilian Gabriel Pereira, from Gil Vicente and coming from the Corinthians youth academy. Balanced between play on the ball and defensive metrics. He has some problems in duels resolved with tackles when he meets the opponent, being safe up high, leaving few losses and also showing good mobility defending high.
Founded in 2017 as a consultancy, Driblab has driven innovation through data in all aspects of professional football. Thanks to a transversal model, its database collects and models statistics in all directions. From converting matches and videos into bespoke data for training academies to developing cutting-edge technology, helping clubs, federations and representative agencies in talent scouting and transfer markets. Driblab’s smart data is used by clubs all over the world, with success stories such as Dinamo Zagreb, Real Betis and Girondins Bordeaux among others. Here you can find out more about how we work and what we offer.
