CaughtOffside’s Top 50 Footballers In The World: # 28 – Hulk (Zenit St Petersburg & Brazil)

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Zenit St Petersburg and Brazil forward Hulk.

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A big name, and quite literally a very big player, Hulk will likely earn a keenly-anticipated move to a bigger club this summer as he looks to establish himself as the world class talent he is widely thought to be.

The 26-year-old has been something of a late bloomer in the game, only really coming to prominence in the 2010/11 season as he played a major part in Porto’s incredible treble winning season under Andre Villas-Boas. The Brazilian scored 36 goals and provided 21 assists that season playing mostly from the wing, and attracting big attention from all across Europe.

However, Porto’s enormous asking price put many suitors off, and he remained in Portugal until last season when he finally moved for big money to Russian side Zenit St Petersburg. This will have disappointed neutrals, as it was hoped Hulk would soon be showcasing his talents in a bigger league.

He hasn’t really managed to settle in Russia, and that big move could come soon as Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing him for as much as £50million, making him their joint-record signing. With his big, strong frame and exceptional technique, he looks like a perfect fit at Stamford Bridge, and possibly the best replacement for the legendary Didier Drogba.

Hulk is known for his skill on the ball and his thunderous shots with his left foot, scoring a number of impressive long range goals in his career so far. His playing style would suit him well in the Premier League, and he has all the makings to be a big success.

He will also be hoping to make an impact at next summer’s World Cup, as he will likely be a regular starter for host nation Brazil, for whom he already has 23 caps and 6 goals. A move to a bigger club as well as some match-winning displays at a major tournament would firmly cement his place among the world’s best players.

Still, for sheer talent alone, he is already there.


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