Sky Sports Scout is where we scour the globe looking for the best talent. Next up is Vlad Chiriches.
We run the rule over Romanian starlet Vlad Chiriches
Sky Sports Scout is our exciting feature where we scour the globe looking out for the best talent and bring you a report on what we find.
Our Scout will report back and you can comment on what you think of our appraisal.
Also, in association with Football Manager, we give all readers the chance to win a copy of the latest game by nominating a player.
You can only nominate a player by
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here or just search for @skysportsscout!
Latest under our scout's gaze is Steaua's
Vlad Chiriches - recommended by
Sky Sports reader
Catherine Ross.
The scout reports...
Next under our gaze is highly-rated Romanian defender Vlad Chiriches, who is attracting a great deal of interest from around Europe.
The 22-year-old is currently one of the stars of Steaua Bucharest's defence, and is emerging as one of the best players of his generation.
He began his playing career with Ardealul of Cluj, who signed him whilst at school aged just 14.
Chiriches was quick to impress with Ardealul as he was picked up by Portuguese giants Benfica in 2007 - but he spent just 12 months in Lisbon before returning to Romania due to home sickness
Upon his return to Romania he joined lower league club International Curtea de Argus and helped them earn promotion to the top flight in 2009.
His performances in Argus earned him a move to Pandurii Targu Jiu and he soon emerged as a stand-out performer and he was handed his maiden call-up to the Romanian squad, and was capped immediately. He has remained a prominent member of the national team ever since.
It took him just one season at Pandurii to then seal another transfer, this time to Romanian giants Steaua Bucharest - who beat a host of rivals to his signature.
He immediately became a regular in the side, but since his move he has played in a number of roles.
There is no doubt that Chiriches is a centre-half, and that is his best role. But due to his outstanding skill and technique he is more than capable of playing full-back or midfield - as he has shown.
Chiriches is already regarded as one of the best young defenders in Europe, and it is little surprise the interest he is generating.
AC Milan look to head the queue, but Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also said to be closely monitoring him.
The scout says...
Chiriches is a composed, elegant performer - who looks on the brink of a big move and marks a remarkable rise from his teenage years.
AC Milan look primed to land him, and he does appear to have all the traits of a top Italian-style defender.
The Scout rating...
Shooting: 7 out of 10
Passing: 7 out of 10
Tackling: 8 out of 10
Heading: 8 out of 10
Pace: 8 out of 10
Vision: 6 out of 10
Current ability: 8 out of 10
Potential ability: 10 out of 10
OVERALL SCOUT RATING:62/80
Current value: £8million
Potential value: £60million
Your opinion...
You have read our opinion of Vlad Chiriches - now we want your views. Have you seen Chiriches in action? Do you agree with our assessment? Do you think he will make it?
Get in touch, either using the form below, email or the scout's Twitter feed - @skysportsscout
And if you have spotted anyone you think we should feature then please get in touch using the same form. We will look to send out the Scout to follow up your leads.
