After a controversial callup to the Azzurri, Brazilian- born striker Éder Citadin Martins, has officially debuted with Italy’s national team and is bound to bring his offensive demeanor to the international field for the first time.
What You Need to Know
Full Name: Éder Citadin Martins
Date of Birth: November 15th, 1986 (28 years old)
Position: Striker
Nationality: Brazilian
Current Club: Sampdoria
Height: 1.78 m
Internationals Caps: Azzurri (2, 1 goal)
Who Is Éder Citadin Martins?
Making his way up the ladder from Serie C, 28 year- old Éder Citadin Martins launched his club career with Criciúma, known to be the strongest team in Santa Catarina. He was quick to sign with Frosinone, who transitioned to Serie B, and Empoli just after a €600,000 co-ownership deal was made in 2008. Éder’s first club goals were with Frosinone, raking in 20 amongst 52 pitch appearances. After the deal’s expiration, the striker stuck with Empoli in June 2009 where his skills didn’t go unnoticed. Éder’s speed and agility attributed to one of his greater club career achievements; scoring 4 goals during one game with Empoli, in April of 2010. Months after his personal victory, he was loaned into Serie A. One year with Brescia and the next with Cesena, created the start of something new. His final settlement landed with Sampdoria for a €3 million, 5 year contract. He’s delivered 37 goals as striker, across 4 seasons, making way for a national team call up in the nearest future.
Controversy swarmed the idea of Éder playing with the Azzurri squad, after coach Antonio Conte called the foreign-born striker to play for Italy in the hopes of improving the team’s offensive play on the pitch. Éder was one of two South Americans who made the move, alongside Palermo’s Argentinian midfielder Franco Vasquez.
Note: Eder is Brazilian-born with an Italian grandfather
The performance of these two players held less importance than their place of birth, at least to Inter coach Roberto Mancini. He voiced his opinion in March, claiming “If you play for Italy, you should be Italian”. If Mauro Camoranesi from Argentina could play with the national team during the World Cup win in 2006, Éder can find a way to bring some victory to the Azzurri for the Euro. And surely, he proved himself nonetheless. He scored an equalizer during his first qualifying game, as a substitute against Bulgaria just five days after Mancini’s doubts were vocalized.
Strengths and Weaknesses
He’s a strong offensive attacker and rebounds are his niche. Finishing seems to come as second nature and Éder doesn’t shy away from a challenge. Often found in 2 on 1 situations, he manages to excel with high dispatch and agile toes. His sharp focus attains many lost chances of the other players in order to land a goal. His impeccable response time was shown throughout his time with Sampdoria, which was followed by a high shot accuracy. Éder’s a speed powerhouse in the game, with a quick style of play that often leaves you wondering how he did it. However, he’s not a player that’s for himself. Éder holds a pass success rate of over 90% (WhoScored), demonstrating solid technique for both long and short passes. Conte wanted stronger strikers and that’s exactly what he bargained for with this Brazilian.
Although acceleration may be his game, defensively Éder’s skills are lacking. For him, defensive awareness doesn’t come easy. Helping in front of his own net isn’t a specialty, as well as ball resistance. Éder’s ability to keep the ball out of the net is evidently much harder than getting it in, withdrawing himself as a versatile player. However, Italy’s defensive style can surely make up for Éder’s lack thereof, which is likely acceptable for Conte. He can deliver a more forward game which is what the Azzurri has been longing for.
2015/16 and Beyond
Working with the Italians, Éder’s future remains dependent on his success throughout the qualifiers this year and the 2016 Euro Cup. His efforts during the next international matches will determine his place in the Euro, given the ability to fill the shoes of potential call ups, ie. Mario Balotelli. Éder’s contract in Serie A ensures another 2 seasons with Sampdoria, which may end in a loan or a transfer to an Italian- based squad after his national team performances are well underway. His opportunity to play internationally will pose a big factor on his future within the league, maybe even earning him a spot within the top 7 Champions League teams.
Certainly, there’s a bright future ahead of Éder. Making a positive change within the Azzurri’s offensive style will deem him fit for the team in future tournaments. His first year playing international paves a way for him to shine and possibly earn a title as one of Italy’s stronger strikers.
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