Football Wonderkid Scout
Football Wonderkids
PSV's Latest Samba Star Jonathan Reis
With PSV's impressive 10-0 victory over a youthful Feyenoord side at the weekend, the star of the show was arguably Brazilian striker Jonathan Reis who scored a hat-trick and assisted Jeremain Lens in his first goal. It seems the precocious talent may at least be putting his troubles behind him as he gets his career back on track, finally starting to deliver his enormous potential. Over the years, PSV has been a club where Samba imports have thrived and previous success stories include Brazilian strikers Romario and Ronaldo, as well as current Chelsea centre-back Alex. Since Jonathan Reis signed from Atletico Mineiro in 2007, he has been blighted with disciplinary problems and off the field antics which have slowed his development and limited his first team opportunities. In January this year, PSV released the highly rated youngster on a free transfer after he had tested positive for cocaine. However, the Eindhoven side opted to give Reis another chance this summer after he had left his drug addiction behind him. In September, Reis was caught driving under the influence of alcohol and many believed that would be his last chance at the club, but PSV were quick to stand by their talented striker who has now scored 6 goals in 3 games.
Reis problems first started in 2008 when following a foot injury, he removed his own cast against the orders of the club's staff. For this act, as well as his poor attitude he was banished to the reserves known as Jong PSV.
Reis With Hat-trick Against Feyenoord
Coach Huub Stevens, hinted at the player's potential to fall away from the top level of the game when he was quoted as saying, "We warned him already quite a while ago. We had planned a CAT scan to investigate the injury but he didn't show up. He needs to show us with Jong PSV if he understands what professional football is about." After receiving more disciplinary action for returning too late from a stay in Brazil, where he attended his grandmothers funeral, his career at PSV looked over and general manager Jan Reker, stated that Reis was in danger of becoming a lost cause. Fellow Dutch league teams Roda JC and FC Utrecht, as well as Portuguese side Vitoria Setubal showed interest, but Reis stayed at PSV. On his day and in form Reis has proved to be one of PSV's most campable and talented strikers. With excellent technique, pace and an eye for goal, Reis will be hoping to establish himself as a first team regular this season for PSV and will use the Europa League to showcase his immense talents. Although it has taken patience from both the coaching staff and fans at PSV, his performance against Feyenoord displayed they were right to keep their faith and will be hoping he can provide the firepower needed to lift the tile.
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