Reports in the media claim that Barcelona’s radar is on FC Porto superstar Hulk. We explain why the 25-year-old has more chances of flourishing at Barcelona than at Real Madrid.
Hulk’s quality and the “Ronaldo” factor
Hulk has a good goal ratio. He’s the kind of forward from whom a coach can expect 10 to 20 goals a season. Besides, the Brazilian is also a good assist maker. At Barcelona, Hulk will have more exposure. Depending on how Barcelona may use him, Hulk could support Lionel Messi in the wings or transform into a typical number 9.
“I have a lot of affection for Porto but who would not want to play for Barcelona with the quality they have?” Hulk asked during an interview with A Bola earlier in the week.
“Barcelona or Real Madrid, I think I would say yes to playing for these teams.”
Hulk is an undisputed icon in Portugal above other players and Real Madrid certainly don’t need another Cristiano Ronaldo. Los Blancos are finding consistency on the pitch like in the dressing room and Jose Mourinho might be more interested in signing backup players than in signing new stars. If Hulk is to quit FC Porto, Barcelona is the place to run to.
At Real Madrid, Hulk will probably see his dream move to Spain turn into a nightmare. The Brazilian striker’s ambition is to become like countryman Ronaldo da Lima. In an interview with Goal.com, the sensational FC Porto star revealed his childhood dream:
“He [Brazil’s Ronaldo] was always my hero and the player I admired the most. Growing up, I always wanted to be just like him.”
At the Bernabeu, there is already one player called “Ronaldo” and a certain player called Karim Benzema who wants to make justice to Real Madrid’s number 9 shirt.
No playing time problem at Barcelona
It’s almost guaranteed. Hulk will likely not suffer from lack of playing time. The Brazilian is not only too qualified to waste his talent on the bench but he is also in a team lacking strikers at the moment.
David Villa is out with a long term injury and Barcelona won’t rush the Spaniard to play at full strength. When Villa returns to action, the process to regain match fitness may take some time.
Pedro Rodriguez has gone through a dip in form due to injuries and Isaac Cuenca has only started developing in Barcelona’s senior team. The Catalans’ squad is very tight and the only forward left aside David Villa, Pedro and Cuenca is Alexis Sanchez who might stand as Hulk’s biggest competitor.
Still, Hulk’s experience is at a very high level and this is what Barcelona may need to find a balance on the pitch like on the bench during top matches. A bigger squad will give Barca more options to deal with fatigue. In a star player like Hulk, the Catalans could find permanent reliability.
Playing alongside top stars in the form of Lionel Messi or World Cup winners Xavi and Iniesta should boost his chances of cementing his position in the Brazilian national team.
