Douglas Is The New Robinho

Celso Roth admitted that Douglas Costa, his Gremio attacking midfielder, reminds him of Manchester City superstar Robinho.

Douglas, 18, has attracted the attention of several of Europe's top clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Liverpool, due to his extraordinary performances for Gremio in the Campeonato Brasileiro this season.

"First I must say, we are not thinking of letting go of Douglas. He is a great player and many clubs are after him, he reminds me of Robinho," stated Celso Roth, the coach of Gremio.

"He gives a sensation of creativity to the team, and he can appear at any moment. He plays romantic football," he added.

Douglas has played a key role as Gremio find themselves in first position of the Brasileiro, with 59 points, three more than second placed Sao Paulo, with 56 points.

With only seven rounds left in the season, Gremio are the favourites to clinch the championship, even though several other teams remain in the race.

With over 300 official matches in the Brazilian First Division, Roth awaits the final rounds of the season with much anxiety. For Roth he faces one of the most crucial moments in his entire career as a professional.

"We haven't achieved anything yet. We are reaching the decisive stage of the season. Personally, I'm trying to control myself, but of course I'm anxious, no matter how much experience I have. It is a crucial moment in my career," he concluded.