Allan Elias: 10 things you might not know

Allan Elias, a talented Brazilian winger, has recently joined Manchester City. Born and raised in Brazil, Elias was nicknamed "Little Balotelli" as a child, inspired by Brazilian icon Neymar rather than City's maverick Italian Mario Balotelli. He followed in the footsteps of other notable players who have made the move from Palmeiras to City, including Vitor Reis and Gabriel Jesus.

Elias made his breakthrough in England during a youth tournament, where Lucas Andrade, his former coach at Palmeiras, recognized his potential. Andrade noted that Elias scored many goals during the tournament, but it was his performance against Chelsea, Tottenham, and in the final against Chelsea that truly showcased his capabilities. Elias' move to Manchester City marks a significant moment in his career, having returned to his home country to play for the club.

Known for his versatility, Elias can play as both a midfielder and defender, making him an asset to City. His career progression was aided by his experience in futsal, a sport he played from age seven to 14. He credits futsal for honing his skills and technique, which have served him well in mainstream football. Elias' impressive performance at the Maracana Stadium, where he helped Palmeiras secure a 3-0 victory over Flamengo, further solidified his reputation as a player capable of performing under pressure.

Elias' character and personality have also been praised by his former coach Abel Ferreira, who noted that Elias understands and respects both the coach and the group.