Kaio Jorge is not quite the finished article but would represent an interesting signing for AC Milan, according to one Brazilian journalist.
MilanNews among other sources are reporting that Milan are pushing to sign Jorge, a 19-year-old talent owned by Santos. After Olivier Giroud, the management want to give Stefano Pioli a young centre-forward who has high potential and the Brazilian occupies the spot of number one target.
Either Jorge could arrive in January on a free transfer as his contract with Santos will expire in December, or the management could move early to sign him this summer. The report mentioned that Milan are working on both possibilities, but the teenager is also tempting to other European clubs.
MilanNews spoke to Andersinho Marques – a journalist for MondoSportivo Brasil – about the teenager in order to discover his strengths and weaknesses among other points.
Kaio Jorge carries with him the label of a player predestined for the top. Is he really like this?
“Brazil and Santos have never lacked talented young people and Kaio Jorge, of all, is the hottest name in the market right now, as he has his contract expiring in 6 months.”
How are his numbers?
“Last season he was instrumental in the Copa Libertadores at the age of 18, becoming the team’s top scorer with 5 goals. Thus he earned a reputation as a striker. However, the numbers in the Brasileirão are not exactly brilliant.
“In the league, in fact, playing almost always as a starter, in the absence of alternatives in the attack, he scored just 4 goals. Despite everything, he was and still is fundamental for Peixe for his type of play that is never static.”
In short, he will not be a goalscorer but Kaio Jorge knows how to stay on the pitch?
“When we talk about Brazilian talents we always think of tactically disordered players. Kaio Jorge, on the other hand, always moves neatly according to the ball, between the lines to anticipate the defenders, even helping the midfield.
“Last year Santos were missing someone who created a game in the middle, so the coach Cuca often asked him to go back to almost play the attacking midfielder. On a tactical level, therefore, he would not have big problems in Serie A, because at his age he is already formidable. He would settle in quickly.”
Character-wise, what type of player is he?
“A 2002-born player that scores a brace at Grêmio in a quarter-final of the Libertadores, as happened last year, has a lot of character. But the numbers, as mentioned, are not those of a complete striker in a two-man attack, but the true champions must necessarily know how to do everything, playing both as a couple and alone.”
Summing up, is he ready for the big leap to a top European club?
“To play in Europe you have to be decisive in front of the goalkeeper. He certainly doesn’t lack technique, because his right foot is very precise, both in passing and shooting. But his finishing still leaves something to be desired. Above all he needs to improve in headers, as he still struggles to take advantage of crosses, despite being 182cm tall and having a good size.”
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