I seem to have developed a fascination with the more talented Appelt brother, a few months back...and at some point soon I will try to collate all the information I have found about him into a decent post. As a brief overview:
He seems more comfortable on his left peg, very comfortable and capable on the ball, brilliant range of passing, mainly stays deep, can tackle, mark (ask Ronaldinho), shoot. Also...he seems to have that always useful ability to dictate the pace of the flow of a game. The Alonso comparison seems apt. Sandreani, amongst others, spoke very highly of his potential, and from what I have seen and read of him, he appears to have wonderful potential...but...only a football supporter who saw him week in week out at Resende before we signed him could give us a more certain opinion. From my own viewpoint Gabriel (whose name never fails to remind me of the archangel) is potentially a wonderful find. Also...the fact that we signed his brother, who has shown far less on the pitch, against decent footballers in Brazil, suggests, in a optimistic way, that Gabriel is special. Could we really have signed a true gem, for such a paltry fee??? So much depends on how he adapts to Italian football. I have high hopes for the lad, and haven't been as excited about a youngster we have purchased ever before. If he can win awards in a decent brazilian league for best newcomer and 2nd highest rated midfielder, at such a young age...he must have something.