Mumbai City FC has finally found their man to fill the boots of Hugo Boumous, who left for ATK Mohun Bagan. City Football Group’s scouting network has dug deep to land Cássio ‘Cassinho‘ Gabriel on a one-year loan deal.
In this article, IFTWC explores the new signing’s style of play and his past performances.
The attacking midfielder started his career at the Fluminese academy and has extensive experience in multiple tiers of Brazilian football. He played for a large number of Brazilian sides in the third and fourth division till 2019.
In 2021, the 28-year-old played for Vila Nova FC in Serie B, the second tier of Brazilian football. He also featured for Mirassol FC in Paulista A1, which is the top-tier league of São Paulo.
20/21 season
Under Vila Nova manager Higo Magalhães, Cassio Gabriel played across multiple positions – as a left-winger, an attacking midfielder, and even a makeshift center-forward. He notched up one assist in 12 appearances.
He started much more frequently for Mirassol in Paulista A1, getting an assist there too.
Cassinho’s playing style
The Patrocínio man is a selfless no.10, and his accuracy from set-pieces and through balls bear testament to that. He produced more passes into the final third per 90 than any other field player in the Serie B last year (4.49).
He registers a meager 1.37 shots per game, which is much lesser than other attacking midfielders in his league. His game revolves around dropping deep to release the wingers down the flanks and setting up chances.
The Brazilian’s low count of assists doesn’t do justice to his profile as he plays in a very physical Serie-B. Most Brazil-born players who have played in the ISL in the past have generally featured in the third or fourth divisions.
He also possesses a high 4.11 recoveries made per 90, which will aid Mumbai’s defensive shape when under pressure.
Knowing how good City Group’s scouting network is, the Islanders can rest assured that they have one of the most exciting new foreigners in their hands.
Cassio Gabriel will join an already scary-looking Mumbai City FC midfield boasting the likes of Ahmed Jahouh, Apuia, Rowllin Borges, and Raynier Fernandes.
Bipin Singh, Jackichand Singh, and Igor Angulo will all look to feed off the Brazilian’s trickery in the opponent half as he graces the ISL with his Brazilian flair.
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