KOCHI: According to Arsenal and France legend Patrick Vieira, a defensive midfielder is someone who is on the field to work the hardest and to help everyone else in the team before himself. It is a definition which clearly suits Victor Bobsin Pereira, the towering midfield destroyer of the Brazil U-17 team.
He might not be the one to grab eyeballs in this super-talented Brazilian squad that is currently in India. But Bobsin's assuring presence in front of the Brazil's back four is what gives the likes of Marcos Antonio, Paulinho and Alan the freedom to operate in the midfield of the Little Canaries.
"Reclaiming possession and distributing the ball to my teammates are things that I am used to doing as a defensive midfielder. I like to play in this style, and it becomes easier for me when players with such talent are in front of me," said Bobsin, who turns out for the Porto Alegre-based Gremio's U-20 side.
With his six-foot frame and curly hair, Bobsin resembles another famous Brazilian: David Luiz. Like the senior Chelsea pro, the 17-year-old can play both in defensive and defensive-midfield roles.
"I really like Luiz and he is an inspiration for me. But I prefer him playing in the defence because it gives the team a lot of security when he is there."
Bobsin started out as a defender, but later switched to the holding-midfield position, which he thinks has helped him adapt to the role which is still a rare breed in football. "The best sides in the world play with just one defensive midfielder. So, it is a position which is ultra-competitive," said the Brazilian.
Bobsin also wants to make it to the Brazil senior team sooner or later. "I dream of playing for the Brazil national team one day, alongside Fernandinho and Casemiro, and to be friends with them," he said. Winning that dream move to a top European club is also on the youngster's wish list.
"I am working hard to one day reach the most competitive leagues in the world, which are in Europe. The league I like the most is the English Permier League, because the competition there is so fierce. I also like the La Liga.
"But these things are in the future, and my current focus is right here," said Bobsin, who will patrol the Brazilian midfield in their quarterfinal against Germany in Kolkata on Sunday.
adwaidh@newindianexpress.com