Transfer of the day: No. 1, Matuzalem

This is the first of a series that will span the entire summer of profiles of players who have just moved clubs.


Matuzalem
Real Zaragoza to Lazio, loan
Nationality: Brazil
Position: playmaker


I think it's common knowledge that Brazilian playmakers are the most exciting players in soccer. And I've always entertained the idea that there are three or four out there better than our wildest dreams who simply haven't been discovered yet. Matuzalem, I have always believed, is such a player.

Of course, I have never seen him play. He's been in only 14 games since his move to Real Zaragoza and who has ever been able to watch the Ukrainian league. And, judging by how Zaragoza played this year, he must have been pretty bad not to get in the side. But come on: he has a really cool, biblical-sounding name. His highlights reel shows someone capable of precise finishing and great movement. It is also said that he can track back. And Lazio is a team where playmakers like Veron and Nedved have historically fulfilled their potential.

I have terrible instincts for this type of thing, but I'm bound to get it right some time, so here goes: Matuzalem will be a reasonable success at Lazio if he manages to stay there rather than returning to Zaragoza after his loan expires, he will draw interest from a bigger club, probably Juventus or Inter.