It is well known at this stage that Roma manager Zdenek Zeman has an uncommonly good eye for a young player with bags of potential and true to form this loan signing from Corinthians is already bearing fruit. Marquinhos looks very well equiped to handle life in Serie A and has already drawn comparrisons with Silva, who many consider the best centre-back in the world.

Born in São Paulo in 1994, Marquinhos enjoyed a very steady upward trajectory through the ranks of the Corinthians, amassing an incredible 10 years experience at under-age level. That this young man has spent virtually his entire life in club football is evident in his young maturity in a position whose skills traditionally take years to hone. He also benefited from being part of a winning team in the Corinthians Paulista youth sides winning the Copa São Paolo de Futebol Júnior and the Copa Liberatadores in 2012.

A very solid defender who can score goals from distance and the instincts to turn defence into attack instantaneously, with a good left foot and consistently physical in the tackle, despite a lighter frame of 180cm of 79kg. Marquinhos is considered a serious young man with an admirable work ethic and dedication and his consistant appearances inthe Brazil youth sides confirm the regard he is held in at home.

A.S. Roma have the player until the end of this season, on a loan deal loan deal costing €1.5m, with an option to purchase at the end of the season for €4.5m. As usual, the young player has already been linked with Juventus, who it would seem, are intent on vacuuming up all young talent in the league, or at the very least, driving prices up for their rivals, but you would think that Roma's director of football Walter Sabatini is far too shrewd to let a diamond, albeit rough, like this slip through his fingers.

By Hugo Mc Cafferty