Rodrigo Ribeiro
Full name: Rodrigo Duarte Ribeiro
Country: Portugal
Date of birth: 28/04/2005 (16 years old)
Place of birth: Viana do Castelo (Portugal)
Height: 185cm
Youth career: Perspectiva Em Jogo AD, AC Alfenense, Sporting CP (since 2017)
Current club: Sporting CP
Squad number: 91
Current national team: Portugal U-17
Position: supporting forward, centre-forward
Preferred foot: right
Market value (by transfermarkt.de): —
Tournaments participated in: Suzuki Cup 2021, UEFA Youth League 2021/2022 (4/1), UEFA Champions League 2021/2022 (1/0), 2022 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualification elite round (3/4)
Contract until: 30.06.2024
Player’s agent: unknown
Transfer rumours: —
Similar type of player: Karim Benzema
Strengths:
– pace 
– finishing
– instinct
– off the ball movement
– technique
– ball control
– first touch
– flair
– link-up play
– heading 
– dribbling
– versatility
– athleticism
Weaknesses:
No significant weaknesses.
Style of play:
– complete, intelligent, and elegant forward
– his intelligence and versatility allow him to play anywhere along the front-line, as a striker, in a supporting role, and even on the wing
– can operate effectively alone up front or offer versatility in the attacking duo
– player with good body mass ratio, physical strength, power, stamina and natural fitness who feels comfortable in contact situations
– excellent pace, footwork, agility, and coordination for a player of his size
– likes to play in a free attacking role granted the freedom to roam the pitch and find space
– killer instinct, great off the ball movement, and flair in the final third
– clinical finisher capable on both feet
– very skillful at beating his markers and evading pressure
– above-average playmaking skills and very good ability to connect with midfield
– often moves deeper into midfield and draws defenders with him, in order to create and exploit spaces for his teammates
– generates many flick-ons and passes into the channels for his teammates to utilize
– displays a natural technique to take fast decisions in tight spaces/under pressure
– very good first touch to make quick combinations with his teammates
– extremely difficult to knock off the ball thanks to his strength, ability to shield the ball, and excellent close control
– good dribbler who’s also prolific when attacking from deep/wing
– aerial threat in the opposition box
– tactically astute and technically capable of playing in various roles and tactical systems
– aggressive and hard-working in pressing/when out of possession
– high maturity and understanding of the game
Ribeiro nutmegs and gets past his opponent with ease and scores with a precise long shot.
Ribeiro loses his markers thanks to great body balance and scores with a clinical finish.
Heatmap by Wyscout:
He is best suited to playing as:
Centre-forward in 4-3-3.
Video:
Achievements:
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League summary (as for 11 April 2022):
Primeira Liga 2021/2022 (ongoing): 1 game/0 goals (Sporting)
Description:
Rodrigo Ribeiro joined Alcochete, the famous Sporting CP academy, in 2017 from AC Alfenense. He is considered to be one of the most talented forwards of his generation in Europe. He made his professional debut with Sporting CP in a 0–0 UEFA Champions League tie with Manchester City on 9 March 2022, coming on as a late sub in the 91′ minute. Thanks to that he officially became the youngest player to appear in the Champions League knockout stages. He is also a regular youth international for Portugal and currently he is one of the leaders of the U-17 team.
Quotes:
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Football Talent Scout potential rating:
Player has the potential to become a key player in a top European club.
Links: