Fluminense’s flying forward Robert Kenedy Nunes has wowed the crowds at this year’s Al Kass International Cup with his skill on the ball, rapid pace and clinical finishing.
The 16-year-old has turned in several breathtaking performances and already won two Most Valuable Player prizes, in the club-level tournament that is quickly becoming regarded as the place to spot emerging youth talent.
The young F50 adiZero wearer has been the stand out star in the Brazilian team and is determined to make his mark on the tournament.
And Kenedy, who is preparing for the final against Paris Saint-Germain, said the competition has been an eye-opening experience for the young South American squad.
He said: “The tournament has been great so far. It’s very well organised and professional.
“The pitches are just perfect; they are in great condition which really helps our style of football.”
Thursday’s final will see a fascinating clash of styles, as PSG’s strength will be tested by Flu’s quick-fire passing and movement.
But Kenedy insists his team-mates are prepared for the pressure of competing against the defending champions and want to take home the title.
In the semi-final against Inter Milan, Kenedy set up two goals as he tormented the Italian defence and impressed onlookers.
But he insists the personal praise is not what drives him on and hailed the work rate of his team-mates as vital to their success.
He said: “It’s nice that people say I have been playing well, but I don’t want to be the star – I just want to be part of the team.
“We are a strong group and I am not playing alone. We are friends together on the pitch and I am proud to be part of this team.”
The youngster has drawn comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo thanks to his speed, strength and confidence on the ball – but he laughed off the comparison with the Portuguese superstar.
“I am Kenedy, I am not Cristiano Ronaldo”, he joked.
But he revealed it is his ambition is to play in Europe one day – and perhaps even grace the English Premier League with his talents.
“Of course I am happy to play for Fluminense but it is my ambition to one day play in Europe”, he said.
“I like Chelsea because of players like Oscar, David Luiz and Ramires. I like the whole team.
“I have played for my country at under 17 level and it is also a dream of mine to one day pull on the famous shirt at the top level.”
Next year, football fans from around the world will turn their attention to Kenedy’s home country as Brazil host the World Cup.
And although it is perhaps a little too early in the player’s career to play a starring role, he does have his eyes on the World Cup 2022 to be played here in Qatar.
“I am very happy to have the World Cup in Brazil next year”, he said.
“It is exciting and I can’t wait to go to some of the games and just be a part of it.
“But of course I would love to be part of the World Cup here in Qatar 2022. It will be a fantastic competition in a great country.
“It would be a dream to come back here and represent my country one day.”
