Vitor Roque Scouting Report: The Next Big Star Out Of South America

Who Is Vitor Roque?

At 17 years old, with a £4.23M price tag on his shoulders, Vitor Roque walked into the historic Mineirão and put two goals past the current champions, Atlético Mineiro, in Athletico Paranaense’s recent 3-2 victory.

The Mineirão, a place he called home in his Cruzeiro days, became his stage once again as he scored an unbelievable goal to thrust his name into the spotlight.

Four days later, in the Copa Libertadores quarter-final, Vitor Roque scored the game-winning goal in the 95^th minute to send Athletico into the semi-finals.

With only eight months of professional football, the 17-year-old kid has moments some players could only dream of.

After breaking into Cruzeiro’s first team in early 2022, Brazil soon fell in love with the young teenager from the small town of Timóteo, Minas Gerais, who played with such satisfying freedom and joy.

Former Inter, Barcelona and Real Madrid legend Ronaldo, who had just become Cruzeiro’s owner, instantly began talks of a new deal with the promising star.

However, weeks later, Athletico Paranense lured the teenager with the promise of Série A and Libertadores football.

His release clause was triggered, and the 17-year-old kid made the move to the team from Paraná.

Despite the pressure at such a young age, Roque broke straight into Athletico Paranaense’s first team, even scoring on his Libertadores debut.

This scout report will identify why Vitor Roque could be one of the biggest stars to emerge from South America in recent years.

Through tactical analysis and considering Felipão’s tactics, the Brazilian’s characteristics and playing style will be examined in this scout report.

Vitor Roque Positioning

In order to contextualise this analysis, it is essential first to understand Vitor Roque’s positioning.

As the then 16-year-old broke into the senior team at Cruzeiro, he was often deployed on the wings.

Under Felipão, however, Vitor Roque has played as a centre-forward.

Vitor’s dynamic profile allows him to perform multiple roles in the attack, and Felipão takes advantage of this.

Whether in a two-striker formation or alone up top, Vitor’s relentless movement makes him a dangerous weapon.

He can constantly find space within the defensive organisation.

His 2022 heatmap further illustrates this.

In a strike partnership, he is mainly used on the right side, constantly drifting wide.

That, combined with his Cruzeiro days, explains the strong activity on the right side of the attack.

Nonetheless, his movement bleeds all over the opposition half, highlighting his positional versatility.

Vitor Roque has tremendous physical abilities.

His speed and willingness to drive at defenders make him a dangerous weapon on the wing.