United States under-20 head coach Tab Ramos has revealed that he thinks Brazilian-American Luis Felipe is “a very good player” in an in depth profile published by website American Soccer Now.
The article features quotes from Ramos who praised Felipe after he was involved in a training camp with his U-20 international team during January.
Ramos was alerted to Felipe and sent US U-17 head coach Richie Williams to watch the 17-year-old in action in December, and the youth team manager was impressed.
“Richie watched him play and liked what he saw,” explained Ramos.
“After watching him for 2-3 games we decided to bring him in. To be honest, we’ve been pleasantly surprised. We think he’s a good player.”
Felipe doesn’t speak great English and there wasn’t anybody at the US training camp in January who spoke fluent Portuguese but despite this the Cruzeiro youngster impressed.
Ramos was particularly pleased with how quickly Felipe integrated himself with the rest of the team, especially being so young.
The U-20 head coach said: “Obviously because we don’t know him and don’t see him all the time, it was nice to see that he came in and fit right in
“Especially as a 1996 making him a year younger, you’re always a little skeptical whether they’re going to be physically ready.
“I think he can help the team. I think that’s been a surprise at least to start the camp.
“He’s got very good feet and can go forward well, although he’s more of a defensive player.”
