Introduction

My aim by starting this blog is to increase awareness of the young football players in the world who have not been seen or recognised. A lot of blogs, websites and other online databases have acknowledged and analysed several young players who are known to most people around the world. What I hope to do is to add to that list a few names who are not so well known by the public and by doing so increase the recognition of these players to bring light to the unknown talent that exist all over the world.

The first player on my list will not be one of these players, but will be a player I greatly admire and have loved watch play for some time now. With him I shall be able to form my template by which I shall choose to analyse each player thereafter. 

Leonardo Bittencourt

Date of Birth	Nationality	Current Club	Position	Strengths		Weaknesses	Transfer Rumours	Market Value (where applicable)	Similar Players
				Physical	Technical
19/12/1993	Germany/Brazil	Borussia Dortmund	Center Attacking Midfielder	Quick, Hardworking	Creative, Dribbling, Passing	Size, Strength	Hannover 96	3m euros	Andres Iniesta, Mario Gotze

Bittencourt is an exceptional player. Born of a Brazilian Father and a German mother, he has a great understanding of the game. He is a right-footed player who fits best in the Center of Midfield, either attacking or in a playmaking role. Through his quickness and great dribbling skills Bittencourt has the ability to glide past defenders with ease. This helps him adapt to different roles during a game. It is not uncommon to see Bittencourt on either wing, as he likes to take on players and move closer towards the goal. He is an extremely creative player, which can be seen through both his passing and dribbling. He is able to read the game very well, which allows him to make great passes that easily split the defences.

19-year-old Bittencourt currently plays for Borussia Dortmund and has been given a couple of starts in the 2012/2013 campaign by Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp.  His first goal for the club came in a 5-1 win against Freiburg where he scored their final goal. He has also appeared as a substitute in a few Champions league games this year for Dortmund. With the season over and Mario Gotze leaving the club in July, we could see an increase in appearances for Bittencourt next season. Already we have seen interest shown in him by Hannover president Martin Kind after a meeting took place to talk about the potential transfer. Dortmund, who are not looking to get rid of their prized youngster are hoping to secure a deal that ensures Bittencourt has a future at the club. The deal, if Bittencourt were to leave this summer, is rumoured to be around 3m euros with a clause allowing Dormund to buy back the player for 7m euros. This deal would not only help Bittencourt gain more playing time within the Bundesliga, it will give Dortmund the freedom of choice for when they would want to bring him back to the club.

I have likened Bittencourt to players such as Andres Iniesta and Mario Gotze due to his passing, dribbling and ablity to read the game on field. Bittencourt, much like Iniesta and Gotze, plays best center of midfield allowing him to dominate the ball and make cutting passes. Similar to Iniesta, Bittencourt can be seen on the left wing due to his superb dribbling skills that allow him to skip pass oncoming defenders and provide great balls into the box. Bittencourt has also been seen on the right side of the pitch, similar to Gotze who can drift on either side and can easily beat defenders. Leonardo Bittencourt is a great player to watch for the future, and whichever team he plays for will be very lucky to have him.

Transfer Update: 

Leonardo Bittencourt officially signed for Hannover for a total sum of 3 Million Euros with Dortmund entitled to an unspecified buy back in the future. 

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11881/8781549/Hannover-sign-midfielder-Leonardo-Bittencourt-from-Borussia-Dortmund