Arsenal may have spotted something special in Ryan Augusto, and the latest numbers coming out of Brazil certainly make interesting reading.
The Gunners were linked with the 19-year-old Red Bull Bragantino right-back last month, with reports of informal contacts over a possible transfer.
Now, a worldwide study has placed him at the very top of his position for attacking creativity. And his performances in Brazil suggest those numbers aren’t just a statistical curiosity.
Arsenal target tops worldwide creativity ranking
Brazilian outlet Trivela reports that Ryan has finished first in a study by the CIES Football Observatory, covering U20 players across 52 top-flight leagues.
The youngster leads all full-backs and wing-backs in expected assists per 90 minutes, with an average of 0.32.
In other words, he’s creating better goalscoring opportunities than any other player in his age group and position within that study. Well, that’s quite a way to announce yourself.
His numbers in the Brazilian league are also worth a look. Ryan has made 12 appearances this season, starting eight, and already produced 28 key passes and five big chances.
To put that into perspective, fellow Bragantino right-back Agustín Sant’Anna has managed 26 key passes in 15 games. Andrés Hurtado has 14 in 17.
Ryan has outperformed both despite playing considerably less football. And remember, this is his first proper season in the senior squad.
What makes Ryan Augusto interesting for Arsenal?
There’s more to Ryan’s game than running down the right flank and putting crosses into the box. Trivela highlights his ability to carry the ball forward, find teammates in dangerous areas and move inside to help build attacks.
He’s comfortable providing width, but can also combine with midfielders when the team needs another passing option centrally.
That variety could make him an interesting prospect for Mikel Arteta, whose full-backs need to be comfortable contributing to different phases of possession.
Of course, there are a few things worth keeping in mind. Ryan has only played 12 Brazilian league matches, so the sample is still relatively small. Being top of an expected assists ranking doesn’t automatically make him the best young right-back in the world, either.
Defending is still a fairly important part of the job. But those attacking figures are difficult to ignore, especially for someone who only recently broke into senior football.
Brazilian interest confirmed – What happens next?
Trivela also confirms the Arsenal interest originally reported by ESPN Brazil in October. That earlier story revealed informal contacts involving the youngster, although there’s still no indication of a formal bid or advanced negotiations.
Ryan’s international progress is another point worth watching. He’s featured in four of Brazil U20 manager Paulo Victor’s five squad lists this year and has been called up again for November’s friendlies against Peru.
His rise at Bragantino has been quick, too. He joined their academy in 2022, made his first senior assist in April and has since enjoyed a run of six consecutive league starts.
So here’s a technically gifted young right-back already producing impressive attacking numbers against senior opposition. If he keeps playing like this, Arsenal are unlikely to be the only club paying attention.
