Bruma: Portugal's Next Big Soccer Star

The Sporting Lisbon soccer academy has long been known for producing some of the most talented soccer players on the planet. Luis Figo, Simao Sabrosa, Ricardo Quaresma, Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo are just some of the talents that have gone on to become household names on the world soccer stage. While undoubtedly only seeing a small sample size, current U20 winger Bruma looks destined to become the not only the next great player out of the Sporting academy but one capable of reaching the level of current superstar Ronaldo.

Only 18 years of age, Bruma has been drawing comparisons with Ronaldo for the last few years with his superb displays for the national team at the youth level. Possessing sublime speed and dribbling ability, the Guinea-Bissau born product has eye opening talent and is starting to really hone those skills. Since finishing the season with the Sporting Lisbon A team, Bruma has amassed an impressive 10 goals in six games, five  goals in three games for the U19 squad and the same total in the same amount of games with the U20's at the current U-20 World Cup. In fact, Bruma currently leads the tournament in scoring and has scored more goals(five) than any other Portuguese player all-time at the competition, a list that includes the likes of Nuno Gomes and Nelson Oliviera who managed four each. With the possibility of four more games to go, it looks very likely that Bruma will add to that total even further.

While his goal scoring exploits are impressive his play making ability should is not going unnoticed. With opposing clubs focusing on stopping him,other players on the squad particularly towering forward Aladje who has found himself with more space to operate and has found the net on three occasions himself.  Bruma has two assists to go along with his goal tally.

Heading into a round of 16 game against Ghana on Wednesday, the talented winger and his teammates will look to mimic Portugal's golden generation who won the U20 World Cup in 1989 and also in 1991. With the spectacular Bruma leading the charge, the possibility of a third World Cup triumph is a distinct one. If his progression continues it won't be long before the biggest club teams in Europe come calling looking for his signature.