Player Profile: Paulo Henrique Ganso

One of the key players to watch in the August 10 Brazil v. USA friendly will be Paulo Henrique Ganso. The Santos attacking midfielder has been hailed by virtually all commentators in Brazil as key to the next generation of Brazilian football. In recent months, Ganso's most ardent fan has been none other than Socrates, who understands the 20 year old "Henrique" as possessing the creativity that Dunga's midfielders lacked. "He is already the best player in Brazil," Socrates remarked in a June 13, 2010 interview in The Guardian. Ganso is widely regarded as a potential heir to Kaka's place in the Brazilian midfield, particularly given the latter's spate of recent injuries and disappointing overall form in the Brazilian shirt. Standing 6 feet 1/2 inches tall, the lanky Santos star has distinguished himself by his ability to control the midfield as well as score spectacular goals from long distance. Coach Mano Menezes may elect to play Ganso behind Robinho and Neymar on the wings, with Pato as the lone, pure central striker.