Pato has had a good season for his club side, Milan. He is improving at a rapid pace, whilst showing maturity and a confidence which will serve him well on the pitch, along with his humble approach to the game.
Winners of the 2007 UEFA Champions League, the Rossoneri then came fifth in Serie A, thereby forfeiting their place at the pinnacle of club football to Fiorentina. This left Milan with a clear and achievable goal for the season just ended: to win the Scudetto.
The Scudetto prize was elusive, however, and despite a relatively strong season from the Rossoneri, rivals Inter took the title once again. Still, the most successful club in the world secured Champions League qualification with a third place finish in Serie A, tied with second placed Juventus on 74 points. Pato was key to the team's run in Serie A; overall, he contributed a great deal in his first full season with the Rossoneri.
In other competitions this season, Milan faltered earlier than expected, dropping out of the Coppa Italia at the hands of Lazio, before ending their UEFA Cup run against Werder Bremen thanks to the away goals rule. Despite this disappointment, Pato left his mark on the game once again, scoring a stunning goal against the Germans after a solo run and powerful strike, leaving everyone in awe of his abilities.
The youngster has been in fine form all season, scoring 15 goals in Serie A, adding five assists in the top-flight. The skilful Brazilian striker has mesmerised defences in the Italian league with his pace and spectacular dribbling ability, rounding off his good work with powerful and accurate finishing. In the UEFA Cup, Pato was his usual prolific self, scoring three of the Rossoneri's goals in the competition.
Working Hard | Pato Has Improved A Great Deal
Pato has surely been the most influential and consistent Milan player throughout the 2008-09 season, and he went on to end the season with the Confederations Cup trophy. The youngster had a minimal part in his national team's success at the festival of champions - coming on as a substitute for only a single game - but he gave Brazil an extra dimension in attack, with the option of bringing him off the bench to torture opposition back lines.
Otherwise, Pato took part in three World Cup qualifiers for the South Americans during the season past, contributing to a campaign which currently sees Brazil placed at the top of the standings.
Along with his performances for the full national team, Pato was part of the star-studded Brazilian Olympic football team that came third at the recent Beijing Olympics. It was a successful year for the youngster in terms of his early adventures with the Selecao.
His hard work and displays of sublime talent have not gone unnoticed this season, with a number of teams said to be interested in his services. Milan, though, are unwilling to let their gem slip away. He has impressed and is improving at a staggering rate with the Rossoneri and Brazil, and it will be interesting to see how our number 36 fares next season and beyond.
2008 – 09 HONOURS
2009 FIFA Confederations Cup (Brazil)
2008 Olympic Bronze Medal (Brazil)
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