Total footballer Deco

Anderson Luis de Souza Deco was born in Brazil. He played his first club ball for Nacional and then Corinthians, both of Sao Paolo. Finally, after a few years of playing in Brazil, a move to Europe came in 1997. Portugal was the destination as Deco joined Salgueiros. At one point he was the property of Benfica, however the club didn’t see the potential that was there and after honing his skills in the average squads of the land, Deco joined powerhouse Porto.

What has happened since then has been nothing short of remarkable as Deco has helped Porto to title after title and has developed into one of Europe’s most sought after footballers. Indeed, he has endeared himself to the Porto faithful, and how couldn’t a player do so having helped the club win so much? Since joining Porto in 1999, the Brazil-born Deco has won at least one trophy with the club every year.

So what makes Deco so special? Quite simply, Deco is a total footballer. He is more than capable of tracking back from his attacking midfield position to mark, and is a hard worker on the pitch. While his determination and desire score him many points, it is what he can do with the ball that has led many to call him one of the world’s best players.

Blessed with great ball control, Deco has a playing style molded after the great Brazilian playmakers of the past. His creativity is a joy to watch and another one of his strengths are his accurate free-kicks. Not only can he tackle, deliver the killer pass, and leave opposing defenders in the dust with dazzling runs, but Deco has also become reknown for his goalscoring ability. In less than 100 games for Porto, he has chipped in with nearly 30 goals for the club, quite the impressive strike rate for a midfielder.

Under Jose Mourinho, Deco led Porto, helping them secure UEFA Cup and the Champions League title, as well as the Porto league title.

In 2004, Deco joined the Portuguese squad for Euro 2004, and was attacked by teammate Figo for being born in Brazil but representing another country. He was given his Portuguese citizenship two years prior.

Rumours persisted that Deco would join English side Chelsea, including a confirmation from Deco himself. But that same summer, a change of heart saw him go to Barcelona for a lumpsum of 15 million Euros and Ricardo Quaresma. He signed a four-year-deal with Barcelona.

• Name: Anderson Luís de Souza (Deco)

• Born: Sâo Bernardo, Brazil

• Nationality: Portugal

• Position: Attacking midfielder

• Date of birth: August 27, 1977

• Current club: Barcelona

• Height: 1.77m

• Weight: 73 kgs

Career history

• 2004 FC Barcelona

• 1999 FC Porto

• 1998 Salgueiros

• 1997 Alverca

Honours 2005

• Spanish Primera Liga

• Lees dit in Nederlands Italiano