AFR Scouting: Internacional’s Giuliano Victor De Paula

By Fernando Sell

Brazil is universally acclaimed for consistently producing world-class football players. Brazil’s unique style of football and positive disposition of the players has attracted fans from all over the world to appreciate their brand of football. Another talented player comes from the south of the country, and his name is Giuliano. He is 19 years old, a creative midfielder who represents Sport Club Internacional and has been making a big name for himself. Europe will soon be calling for Giuliano…

Giuliano was born on 31/05/1990 in Curitiba. He grew up loving the beautiful game and actually started playing as a goalkeeper. His idol was 1994 World Cup Champion - Cláudio Taffarel, who defended the Brazilian goal for many years; Taffarel also played for Internacional. There were many goalkeepers in Giuliano’s neighbourhood and after fierce competition he stopped defending the nets. And what a talented midfielder he turned out to be!

The midfield prodigy started playing futsal (indoor football) for Paraná Clube at the age of 8. His talent was easily noticed and admired, and it didn’t take long until Giuliano was representing the older age groups. He then went on to play 11-a-side football for the club at the age of 12. Giuliano would not be the skilled player he is today if it wasn’t for the development he had from futsal. His dribbling ability, vision, precise passing, and instinct to score have transformed him into a quality, versatile midfielder, as well as an adaptable striker. Giuliano’s movement and ability to play well in small, tight spaces has been beneficial for the hot prospect.

In 2007, Paraná Clube promoted Giuliano to their first team and it didn’t take long for the teenager to be regarded as a future star for Brazil. In 2008, Giuliano was awarded the revelation of the year awards in the Serie B (Brazilian second division) and Campeonato Paranaense (league of the state of Paraná). Interest soon boomed for Giuliano with many clubs from Brazil and Europe chasing after his signature.

After playing 30 games and scoring 6 goals for Paraná Clube, Giuliano wisely decided to remain in Brazil, transferring to Internacional in 2009. During this year, Giuliano represented the Brazil Under-20 squad twice; he won the 2009 South American Youth Championship in Venezuela and was runner-up at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009. Despite missing various games for the Porto Alegre based club, Giuliano plays a key role in the team. He guided the team to second place in the Brasileirão (Brazillian first division) and was shortlisted on the Revelation of the Year Award.

Giuliano is a pivotal player for Internacional, his influence will hopefully lead the club to success in Brazil and in the Copa Libertadores; but Europe is knocking on his door. He has 4 years remaining on his contract and he aims on being successfully before he eventually moves. Giuliano is a religious and calm person; his role model is Kaká, who he tries to be like on and off the field. Hopefully Giuliano will become as successful as the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year.