Player Talent Scout: Joelson Fernandes

One of the most impressive sides in Europe since football came back have been Rúben Amorim’s Sporting. The Lisbon giants are unbeaten since the restart and have blooded a host of exciting young players in the process.

Matheus Nunes (aged 21) , Eduardo Quaresma (18), Nuno Mendes (18), Tiago Tomas (18) have all been handed their full Liga Nos debuts over the past few weeks, and the youngest to have been handed his first team chance under Amorim is possibly the best prospect at the club, 17 year-old Joelson Fernandes.

The winger broke Cristiano Ronaldo’s 18 year record as the youngest Sporting player when he came on for the final minute against Gil Vicente on July 1st, and he was afforded more playing time in the draw at Moreirense on Monday.

Already linked with Arsenal, Fernandes is a quick and skillful wide player with excellent technique and the ability to use his quick feet and dynamism to turn defenders inside out.

Amorim has shown that he is willing to play young players at the Estádio José Alvalade, and it may be better for the short term for Fernandes to continue his development at a club who are building one of the most exciting young teams in Europe.