Liverpool take on Bordeaux in the first group game of Europa League tonight but it is a little known Brazilian defender who may will be under the spectrum as he tries to repel the Premier League teams attacking force.
At 24 years of age, Pablo Castro is at a great age to make the move to Europe after showing promising signs in his homeland. He began his career at home-town club Ceara before making a move to Gremio in 2012. However the youngster struggled to make a telling breakthrough before switching to Avai in Serie B where his career really took flight.
67 appearances and 7 goals later he found himself back in Brazil’s top flight at Ponte Preta before moving to the Southwestern region of France last summer.
Upon his arrival both manager Willy Sagnol and President Jean-Luis Triaud waxed lyrical about their new signing.
Sagnol was particularly pleased with the calming influence he has on his team-mates; “What I liked about Pablo is his ability to win duels and the calm and serenity that quite put in the defense of Ponte Preta, it was of decisive evidence.”
He played alongside 31 year old Tiago Alves for Ponte last season but with his authoritative style often looked like the elder statesman. His ability to read the pattern of the game early exudes an air of dependability and calmness that spreads through the team.
It will be worth following the fortunes of Pablo with this being his rookie year in Europe and Liverpool fans should be prepared for some resolute rearguard action from Bordeaux in both fixtures in this competition.
