Luizao's 'biggest dream' with West Ham and the AC…

Luizao's 'biggest dream' with West Ham and the AC Milan and Real Madrid icons who influence him

West Ham United January signing Luizao hopes to achieve his biggest dream of playing in Europe and winning trophies with the Hammers.

West Ham completed their first bit of business in the transfer window early with the acquisition of Luizao last month. The 20-year-old Brazilian officially joined the club on New Year’s Day from Sao Paulo, where he made 20 first-team appearances last year.

The 6ft 2in centre-back, who can also play left-back, is certainly one for the future and provides David Moyes with an alternative should injuries reduce his options in central defence, which has been the case during the 2022/23 campaign so far.

With very little experience at senior level and playing in Europe though, Luizao is likely to need time to adapt to English football, hence his addition to West Ham’s development squad. The Brazilian was given his first taste of playing in the English climate earlier this month when he came off the bench for the Irons U21s in a Premier League 2 fixture against Everton.

“Travelling with the U21s was completely different, in a really good way,” Luizao told the West Ham club website. “I’d say it was a bit tough due to the language barrier, and I’m still adapting and learning English. But it was amazing to have that experience, to feel the warmth of English football - and also the cold.”

At Sao Paulo, Luizao spent five years with an academy that developed 2007 Ballon d’Or winner Kaka, five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid and current Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, as well as a world-class goalkeeper in Manchester City’s Ederson.

After breaking into the first-team, the youngster was also taken under the wing of experienced defender Miranda, who spent eight years at Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan before returning to Tricolor Paulista in March 2021. Luizao considers his former teammate as one of his idols, as well as two defensive giants of European football.

Luizao played alongside his idol and former Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan defender Miranda at Sao Paulo (Miguel Schincariol/Getty Images)

“I’m a centre-back, I think I’m quick and tall, physically imposing and I’m good at playing out from the back. I’d say I’m technical too, and Miranda was an inspiration for me. I played alongside him last year at Sao Paulo,” said Luizao.

“I’ve also seen many videos of Paolo Maldini. He’s left-footed as well and even played at left-back. I take inspiration in how he was so calm but also imposing when he needed to be. Sergio Ramos is another one with how aggressive he is. Being aggressive is important for a centre-back. Those three would be my idols.”

The 20-year-old hopes to make his own mark in Europe, and with West Ham competing in the Europa Conference League this season he may be offered the chance to achieve his biggest dream. But right now, the Brazilian is looking to make an impression in an academy, like Sao Paulo, that has developed some big names.

Luizao said: “This is the biggest opportunity I’ve had in my life so far. West Ham are one of the biggest teams in England and are known as a traditional club. This is my opportunity to earn the chance to play in the Premier League, and hit new heights in my life.

“I’ve known about some of the players that are here and have been here. I know West Ham have developed big players like Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, and Declan Rice. I think this is a great club for developing players, a traditional English team that I can fit in well at. There are some great people at this club who can really help in my development.

“Right now, my main ambition is to get into the first team and play games. But I have high aspirations. I want to achieve big things at the club. I want to win trophies and I want to play in Europe – that’s my biggest dream! I hope I can do it with West Ham.”

READ MORE

Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here