This is the latest feature in our series counting down French football’s 20 hottest properties, those most likely to feature in elite clubs’ 2023 transfer plans. Look out for the next player tomorrow and follow the run down in full here on GFFN.
“If I left him to it, he would train for 18 hours a day,” Monaco coach Philippe Clement told GFFN last month. “He’s like that… very ambitious and a huge perfectionist.” A low-key, although not cheap, €10m signing from recently relegated Brazilian club Gremio in January, little was expected from little-known right-back, Vanderson, when he arrived in France. Despite becoming a starter in Brazil as a teenager, he lost his place at Gremio during the run-in as the Porto Alegre club narrowly missed out on survival. Now, however, the Brazilian is piquing the interest of Europe’s heavyweights as perhaps France’s most exciting young talent.
Arriving around the same time, Clement eased the Brazilian in at Stade Louis II, restricted to substitutes outings in his first six games. A snap, spinning volley at Montpellier in a 3-2 loss was a highlight as the young defender quickly became a regular, however, only starting on the bench once more when available for the rest of the campaign. After a slow start under Clement, Monaco won nine games in a row before a cruel last-minute equaliser at Lens on the final day snatched away second spot, and automatic Champions League group stage qualification.
Monaco’s improving form directly correlated with Vanderson’s own ever more imposing and confident displays as he became arguably only second to captain Wissam Ben Yedder in terms of importance under Clement. The Brazilian proved to be an all-purpose right-sided player. Usually a right-back in a four-man defence at Gremio, Vanderson started his Monaco career on the right of an attacking quartet spread across a 4-4-2.
At first glance, Vanderson doesn’t seem like a typical wing-back. At nearly 6ft, he’s unusually tall for a marauding full-back, while he carries a broadness and sense of power rare in his position. The 21-year-old’s striding style is more reminiscent of a mobile central midfield like Declan Rice of West Ham or fellow former Monaco man Fabinho. That pace and power plus previous defensive experience allowed Vanderson to cover Monaco’s entire right flank last season, affecting the game at both ends. A threat underlined by a fizzing strike as he charged down the right wing to finish off a swift counter during a standout performance in April’s 3-2 win at a free-wheeling Rennes. Despite just 15 starts in all competitions, Vanderson finished the season as arguably Ligue 1’s leading right-back after Achraf Hakimi’s form fell away in Paris.
As Clement persists with Krepin Diatta on the right wing while apportioning minutes to a crowded attacking group following the signings of Breel Embolo and Takumi Minamino, Vanderson has shifted to right-back since. Amid Monaco’s inconsistent Ligue 1 start, Vanderson’s impact has notably waned since the summer too. Charged with more defensive responsibilities behind another gung-ho forward quartet, the 21-year-old’s displays have become more understated and disciplined. Referencing the player’s youth, an unconcerned Clement also suggests transfer interest could have affected his focus.
The best, however, is likely yet to come. Aside from obvious potential growth for a broadly talented 21-year-old less than a year into his European adventure, given that Monaco rarely utilises three centre-backs under Clement, Vanderson has rarely been used as a true wing-back, in theory, his best position.
According to FBRef, over the last year, the Brazilian ranks in the top six per cent of full-backs across Europe’s big five leagues for dribbles completed, pressures and progressive passes received, underlining an ability to stretch teams and expose defenders. Vanderson also ranks highly among full-backs for touches in the opposition penalty area, making progressive passes and shots. All point to an attacking full-back threat.
Among attacking midfielders and wingers, meanwhile, Vanderson’s defensive nous stands out. His 2.66 tackles per 90 minutes, 1.61 clearances per 90 and 1.99 interceptions per 90 put him in the top one per cent over the last year in all three metrics. He also does well in aerials won and blocks. Although these figures may be skewed by the fact that his Monaco career has been split evenly between right-back and right-wing, it underlines an all-round skillset that can affect games across all phases.
Although just two goals and four assists in 37 Monaco games across all competitions thus far underwhelms, Vanderson has yet to hit 100 senior career games and his development remains fledgling. Combined with his physicality, also still improving, that skillset makes Vanderson more than just potentially the perfect modern full-back but a player who could, in the right conditions, eventually transcend the position.
Manchester United and Newcastle have been heavily linked in recent weeks by the English press while Clement told GFFN last month that several major clubs were interested. A mooted January move to Manchester would be rather hasty, however. With less than a full league season’s worth of experience at Monaco and suffering with some second-season inconsistency, Vanderson needs time to stabilise while developing and learning his craft.
Fortunately, Ligue 1 and Monaco are built for developing young players away from the media glare and fan pressure that can derail bourgeoning careers. The 21-year-old is in the perfect position to realise his potential and an extended stay at Monaco would be prudent. However, a return to last season’s form following an uninterrupted campaign in the Principality could make him a worthy target for a club of United’s size come next summer. A fierce trainer and a perfectionist, Vanderson has the ability to match his ambition.
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