Sky Sports Scout is where we scour the globe looking out for the best talent, next up is Douglas Costa.
We run the rule over Brazilian starlet Douglas Costa
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
emailing here, including the word 'Scout' in your subject line.
Should your player get reviewed by our scout, and you were first to send in his name, then you will win a copy of Football Manager Live! - which includes a pre-paid four-month subscription.
Latest under our scout's gaze is Gremio forward
Douglas Costa - recommended by
Sky Sports reader
Andrew McDonnell.
The scout reports...
One of the most requested players in scout history, Douglas Costa is the latest Brazilian to be heralded as a future world superstar.
As ever, the expectation levels on any talented young South American are big and Douglas is a very talented young player.
Labelled as the new Ronaldinho because he has come through the ranks at Gremio, as did the Milan star, and also plays in a similar position off the strikers.
Douglas began his education with Novo Hamburgo but at the age of 11, Gremio spotted his potential and integrated him into their youth setup.
He loves to play just behind the forward-line and loves to beat people with his exceptional skill and close control, although his passing is also very good.
He does have an eye for goal, but his shooting can be wayward at times, and claims of him being a free-kick specialist are yet to come to fruition on the pitch.
He was handed his first-team debut in late 2008 and he scored against Botafogo - but the hype surrounding him was already in place after he was handed a five-year deal with a buy-out of nearly £20million, months before his maiden appearance.
Real Madrid, Villarreal and Manchester United have shown a keen interest, with the latter trying to set-up a trial ahead of a possible move in June 2009 - but this was rejected by Gremio.
The scout says...
There is no doubt his boy is a huge talent and he could indeed by the 'new' Ronaldinho, but at this point nobody can be sure.
It is a little shock that he is being lined up for a big money move to Europe when he cannot command a regular starting spot with Gremio, but there is no doubt has all the natural ability anyone could ever want in a young forward.
The Scout rating...
Shooting: 7 out of 10
Passing: 8 out of 10
Tackling: 5 out of 10
Heading: 6 out of 10
Pace: 8 out of 10
Vision: 8 out of 10
Current ability: 6 out of 10
Potential ability: 10 out of 10
OVERALL SCOUT RATING: 58/80
Current value: £12million
Potential value: £60million
Your opinion...
You have read our opinion of Douglas - now we want your views. Have you seen Douglas? Do you agree with our assessment? Do you think he will make it?
And if you have spotted anyone you think we should feature, then please get in touch. We will look to send out the Scout to follow up some of your leads.
