FCBARCELONA.CAT

23.07.2008 12:30

Centre back with a future

Sandra Sarmiento

Henrique Adriano Buss has only been playing top level football for six months, but is already a member of the Brazil national team. The 21 year old centre back played last season for Palmeiras.

Henrique Adriano Buss, the sixth new signing of the Guardiola era, was born on October 14, 1986 in Curitiba, in the State of Paraná (Brazil). He is tall at 185 cm and physically strong. He is extremely good at bringing the ball out of defence and can either play at centre back or in a more advanced position. He is quick, good at making himself available and well positioned.

Start with Curitiba

Aged just 12 years, Henrique was already showing promise in the Curitiba youth teams, and progressed right through to the first team in 2006. The following year he won the league championship and his side moved up to the First Division, and Henrique was named best player in the Brazilian Serie B.

Move to Palmeiras

Vanderlei Luxemburgo, the former Madrid boss, spotted the youngster and on January 30, 2008 signed him for Palmeiras. The São Paulo ended the regular season level on points with Guaratingueta, but won in the Paulista finals against Ponte Preta.

Debut with ‘seleçao'

Carlos Dunga named Henrique in his side for friendlies with Canada and Venezuela with his mind firmly set on the Olympic Games. He has not named his definitive list yet, but such a promising talent as Henrique is likely to be among those making the trip to China.