Pedro Gonçalves – Liverpool
A list for Bruno alternatives, we start with a proven Bruno alternative as we start with 22-year-old Sporting player Pedro Gonçalves. A versatile player, able to play box to box and attacking midfield (similar to Bruno), Pedro has played an immense part in Sportings title charge, providing a goal contribution per 90 he has played (12 goals and 2 assists in 14 games). This is better than Bruno’s contribution in his last season at sporting, averaging .71 goal contributions per 90 after 17 games.
However, a key problem that would be found in signing Pedro Gonçalves is Sportings title charge. Simply put, why would Pedro Gonçalves leave his home country and passionate fanbase, where he has rejuvenated Sporting and made them title challengers, to leave for a mid-table or even Europa League club? It is clear he is off-limits to everyone except the elite clubs. Additionally, a key difference can be found between the two as Bruno got a similar amount of goals to assists while Pedro had many more goals than assists. In the Premier League, it is likely that he would be ineffective as an attacking midfield creative player and would perhaps be better as a second striker so that he can get goals and create chances. The obvious team which suits him is Liverpool, who plays a second striker in Firmino. With poor form and an aging attack, perhaps the 22-year-old would have a similar impact as Bruno Fernandes on Liverpool, and if nothing else he will be a lethal option off the bench.
Kemar Roofe – Leeds United
An out of the box mention, up next we have Kemar Roofe. A very versatile player able to play up top, down the wings, and as an attacking midfielder, this Jamaican international’s season has been a mixed bag. Having suffered from calf problems Kemar Roofe found himself fighting for his place every game, having been dropped from the squad twice. Additionally, he has suffered from calf problems. Despite this, Kemar Roofe has had a top season at Rangers, scoring 10 and assisting 2 in 17 games, as Rangers lead an impressive title charge. Perhaps all he needed was a little confidence at Rangers and West Brom could rue the fact that they didn’t give him a chance during his time at the club.
The obvious answer here is Leeds United. Kemar Roofe has already played for Leeds United, being a part of the side that made it to the playoff semi-finals against Derby County. Additionally, Roofe has already sung praise about Marcelo Bielsa, stating “He made us see the game differently to everybody else. Just the way he does things opened my eyes a lot. Everything was about the fine details of formations and the opposition’s tactics. How to combat the opposition’s formation so it will benefit us more. Also, fitness as well. I thought I was fit already but working under him I got even fitter. It’s helped me a lot.” He has also commented on the importance of Leed United to his life stating “They’ve obviously still got a place in my heart. I’ll always be following them, watching them, and supporting them. I think when you’ve played for a club like that, it’s hard not to. It becomes part of you.” With Marcelo Bielsa playing Dallas at attacking midfield and using a diverse system which Roofe is already familiar with, Roofe could be a top-class addition to Leeds United and with a bit of Bielsa magic, maybe the next Bruno as well.
Micheal Olise – Crystal Palace
The next player on our list is our youngest mention as we put Micheal Olise on this list. An attacking midfielder capable of playing down the wings, Olise has been phenomenal at Reading, dragging them to a promotion charge in Eze’s absence. He has the joint-most assists with 8 and has 4 goals from attacking midfield – a very impressive showing for a 19-year-old. To put it in context, Bellingham got 4 goals and 3 assists in double the games and found himself linked with Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund (the latter to whom he actually moved to). Olise has been very promising for Reading and you have to think that he will get a move to a big Premier League club sooner rather than later.
Micheal Olise will likely have many clubs sniffing around for his signature but he has to make sure that he doesn’t believe in the hype. One move to a too strong side could see him have an average football career and a load of wasted potential. I think that the safest bet is Crystal Palace. Having already played with Eze at Reading, Olise could strike up a brilliant partnership along with him and Zaha, bringing the best out of all 3 and helping Olise get his move to a big club. Surely it will take time, but don’t sleep on Olise, and we’re backing him to be the next Bruno.