Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva has named three young Brazilian defenders he believes will follow in his footsteps to star in Europe.
After an injury-hit start to the Ligue 1 season, Silva has recently recaptured the form that earned him as reputation as one of the world's best defenders.
Though the 30-year-old remains a formidable barrier to opposing strikers, Silva can already see those coming through the ranks back in his homeland.
"Brazilian football has changed a lot as far as defenders are concerned," Silva explained to footmercato.net. "Before, they were really old school defenders, who kicked people, things like that, and I don't like that.
"Sometimes you have to do it because of the way the game goes, but I don't like that. Brazil has uncovered good and young defenders
"I have two or three names that come to mind. Samir at Flamengo: he reads the game well. He's left-footed, and it's not easy to be left-footed for a defender.
"Then there is Marlon at Fluminese. He's a very good defender, who is coming to prominence in Brazil.
"And finally there's Elivelton, who also plays for Fluminense. He's another youngster who has similar characteristics to Marlon. As he's young, he can still improve his technique. I can tell you that those three will quickly join a European club."
Samir, 20, was recently called up to Brazil's under-21 squad, and made his Brazil top-flight bow in 2013. Marlon, 19, made his Brasileirao debut last year, and can also play as a defensive midfielder. Elivelton, 22, played a part in Fluminense's title triumph of 2012.
