Carlao gunning to become the new Liedson
Prolific U. Leiria striker courting attention throughout Europe
 He’s a deadly striker, he was plucked from the obscurity of the Brazilian backwaters, and he hopes to make a name for himself at Sporting. This could be the introduction to the story of Liedson six years ago, but we are talking about Uniao de Leiria striker Carlao.
In 2006 an agent in his homeland, impressed by Carlao’s displays in the lower leagues, promised to get the tall striker an opportunity at established Brazilian top-flight outfit Gremio de Porto Alegre, but the move never came about.
Carlao spent four months unemployed until finding work in a light-bulb factory. But he never gave up his football dream. He was spotted by the Sao Caetano physiotherapist in a game amongst friends, and soon he had been sent over the Atlantic upon recommendation to Uniao de Leiria.
The marksman has blossomed ever since, to such an extent that, injury permitting, he should not have to worry about unemployment again.
Impressive goal/game ratio
Carlao was the driving force behind Leiria’s sensational surge up the Liga Vitalis table in the second half of last season, which ended with promotion to the Portuguese top flight, scoring 12 goals in 13 matches. The step up in quality has not proved a problem for the 23-year-old, who has already notched 5 goals in 8 Liga Sagres matches this season.
Several clubs in Europe are known to be keeping close tabs on Carlao, with Cologne, Hertha Berlin and Zaragoza credited with an interest in the forward. But Sporting has first option on the player, who says a transfer to Alvalade would be a dream move for him.
“It’s the wish of any player to be part of a great team like Sporting. I’m honoured that they have the first option if I am sold. Who knows if one day I can be part of that excellent club.
“Representing Sporting is just a dream for now. To achieve it I have to give my maximum to help Leiria achieve their goals. I believe that I could complement Liedson well. He’s more mobile while I’m more of a fixed striker. A partnership with him could work well,” Carlao told Record.
Former Leiria coach Manuel Fernandes was the man who coaxed the best out of Carlao, and the wily tactician believes the Brazilian could reach the heights of Liedson’s career.
“If he is humble he can reach Liedson’s level and score 20 goals a season. In one or two years’ time he may be a serious case in Portuguese football. I’m rarely wrong about forwards,” said the experienced Fernandes, himself a lethal marksman for Sporting in the 1970s. Remember this name.
by Tom Kundert
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