Kerlon

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Personal information
Kerlon

Full name	Kerlon Moura Souza
Date of birth	January 27, 1988 (1988-01-27) (age 20)
Place of birth	Ipatinga, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Height	1.67 m (5 ft 5+¹⁄₂ in)
Playing position	Attacking Midfielder / Forward
Club information
Current club	Cruzeiro E.C.
Number	--
Youth clubs
2001-2005	Cruzeiro E.C.
Senior clubs¹
Years	Club	App (Gls)*
2005–	Cruzeiro E.C.	027 0(0)
National team²
2002-2003 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006–	Brazil U-15 Brazil U-17 Brazil U-18 Brazil U-20
¹ Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 22:23, 10 February 2007 (UTC). ² National team caps and goals correct as of 22:23, 10 February 2007 (UTC). * Appearances (Goals)

Kerlon Moura Souza (born January 27, 1988 in Ipatinga, Brazil) is a Brazilian football player, who currently plays for Cruzeiro Esporte Clube. He was the top scorer and Best Player at the 2005 Venezuela South American Under 17 Football Championship.

1 Early career
2 Awards & Honours
- 2.1 International
- 2.2 Personal Awards
3 References
4 External links

[edit] Early career

He is a centre forward known for his ability to flick the ball up onto his head and run with it during matches. It is known as the seal dribble, and is very hard for the defending team to challenge legally. Flicking the ball up from the turf onto his head, Kerlon then proceeds to run past opponents, whilst bouncing the ball on top of his forehead. The speed at which he travels when doing this, coupled with his ability to change direction as he runs with the ball above his head, often makes opponents resort to simply pushing him over and fouling him. He is said to have learned the move from his father, Silvinho, who was stunned when Kerlon mastered the seal dribble move. "It's just a skill I have, though it's not meant to be a mark of disrespect for my opponents. Opponents say they will snap me. But this doesn’t scare me; it just motivates me even more."^[1]

Kerlon scored his first professional goal on February 25, 2007 against Ituiutaba Esporte Clube, Cruzeiro won the game 4-1.^[2]

Kerlon has been scouted by all major clubs throughout Europe respectably although bigger clubs are backin off to let him develop more. But Newcastle, Manchester United and Rangers all interested and wouldn't command a great fee. Estimated value is currenlty around 4million euros but could possibly be higher due to the star having a bright future ahead.