After experiencing a rough patch in their season, Manchester City decided to be active in the transfer market this January, making several signings.
Among their new transfers is 18-year-old centre-back Vitor Reis from Palmeiras, who was acquired in a €35m deal.
In this scouting report, we will analyse his game, looking at his performances in Brazil and exploring how he might fit into Manchester Citys tactical setup.
This tactical analysis will cover Reiss role in build-up play, defensive moments, 1v1 defending, overall passing ability, and reading of the game.
Vitor Reis primarily plays as a centre-back (CCB, RCB, LCB) and is right-footed.
Standing at 6’1” and just 18 years old, he already showcases impressive qualities.
His strengths include his composure, technical ability, aerial duels, and his 1v1 defending.
One standout feature of his defensive play is his maturity in 1v1 situations, as well as his ability to stay calm and composed.
Instead of overcommitting or being overly aggressive, he remains patient and rarely uses the wrong leg.
He times his tackles and works hard to win the ball back.
What Man City needs is exactly that: someone who can defend in tight spaces, excel in 1v1 duels, and be solid in defending the box.
A great player on the ball, with intelligence in decision-making and the ability to stay composed without being overly aggressive or careless.
Vitor Reis has all these qualities, making him a perfect fit for Citys tactical setup.
Who Is Vitor Reis?
Vitor Reis has spent his entire career playing top-flight football with Palmeiras.
Highly sought after this summer, he caught the attention of clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Barcelona, who closely monitored his progress.
Reis is an exceptionally intelligent player on the ball, with outstanding reading of the game.
He is excellent at playing long balls to switch the play and breaking defensive lines with direct vertical passes.
While his physicality is solid, adding more strength could help him become an even more dominant centre-back.
What Type Of Centre-Backs Do Manchester City Sign?
Since Pep Guardiola took charge, Manchester City have invested heavily in defenders, making it the position they prioritise the most for reinforcement.
Pep is very picky about selecting his defenders.
He favours versatile players capable of operating in a two-man centre-back pairing and a three-man backline.
They must have the skill set to occasionally play as full-backs, whether inverting into midfield or not.
City look for complete centre-backs who can adapt to multiple roles, making Vitor Reis a perfect fit for their tactical setup.
He can take the role of a centre-back in a two-man pairing or the three-man backline, and surely Pep will try him out in that inverted full-back role similar to those like Nathan Aké or Joško Gvardiol.
Vitor Reis Player Radar Chart
Vitor Reis ranks highly in defensive duels, placing in the 94th percentile, and in aerial duels, where he sits in the 75th percentile.
This highlights his activity and his presence on the pitch.
He also ranks
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