World Cup Scout - Fabio Coentrao

Our Scout has now turned his attention to the World Cup finals and over the coming weeks will report on some of the best talent in South Africa.

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 and please check to make sure we haven't already covered the player!

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 2010.

Next under our scout's gaze at the finals is Portuguese ace Fabio Coentrao - recommended by Sky Sports reader Alan Walker.

The scout reports...

Fabio Coentrao has suddenly emerged as a wonderful full-back talent, but his story has been anything but straightforward.

Coentrao was one of the top Portuguese prospects in 2007 when Benfica signed him, as a winger, from Rio Ave to beat the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea to his signature.

But problems soon arose at Benfica, and three loans in two years followed as he spent time with Nacional, Real Zaragoza and his former club Rio Ave.

Last summer he returned to Benfica and his career was changed as Jorge Jesus gave him his big break by playing him at left-back and Coentrao has not looked back since.

Within months he was handed his international debut against Bosnia, and now he is first choice for Carlos Queiroz.

But this has not all been accidental as Coentrao has worked very hard to get his career back on track.

There was never any doubting Coentrao's ability, but few could have seen him being one of the best full-back prospects at the finals and that is just what he is.

His main attribute is his pace and his passing ability has always been there. More surprisingly his ability to read the game as a full-back and cut round to cover his central defenders is excellent.

The scout says...

Coentrao now has everything going for him and, less than 12 months after being brought in from the cold, Benfica could have a battle to even hang onto him.

Coentrao's progress over the course of the finals will be most interesting as he continues to improve.

The Scout rating...

Shooting: 6 out of 10

Passing: 7 out of 10

Tackling: 8 out of 10

Heading: 7 out of 10

Pace: 8 out of 10

Vision: 7 out of 10

Current ability: 7 out of 10

Potential ability: 9 out of 10

OVERALL SCOUT RATING: 59/80

Current value: £6million

Potential value: £15million

Your opinion...

You have read our opinion of Fabio Coentrao - now we want your views. Have you seen Fabio Coentrao in action? 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 using the same form. We will look to send out the Scout to follow up some of your leads.