Rayan Rocha etched himself into the Brazilian history books as the 19 year old scored his first ever goal in yellow as Brazil thumped Panama 6-2 in a World Cup warmup friendly.
Cherries fans will not have an excuse but to be beaming with a smile after waking up to the news of Rayan Rocha scoring his maiden goal for Brazil last night as they defeated Panama 6-2.
Even though today is Marco Rose's first day in charge of AFC Bournemouth, it comes to nobodies shock that teenage superstar Rayan has stole the limelight once again.
Rocha came on at half time for A Seleção as they made 10 changes at the half way mark, and only needed 8 minutes to put his name on the scoresheet.
REUTERS/Pilar OlivaresThe goal that Rayan scored came from an Iraola-style high press following a Panama goal kick, where he worked hard with Brentford striker Igor Thiago to box in the Panama defence as they tried to build out from the back.
Thiago's hunger for the ball forced the Goalkeeper Mosquera to pass the ball straight to the feet of Rayan 5 yards in from the right touchline, and he still had a lot of work to do to find the back of the net.
Rocha was in a similar position to where former Cherry Harry Wilson was when the Welshman scored a near identical goal away at Spurs in November of last season, and Rayan curled the ball with his left foot into the top left corner with aplomb.
REUTERS/Pilar OlivaresRayan didn't only just score a beautiful goal in his 45 minute cameo last night, he put in a performance that will help his push for a starting position on the right flank for Brazil a lot.
Joint most dribbles completed? Rayan. Joint most shots taken? Rayan. 90% pass accuracy? Rayan. You get the picture, it wasn't just a cameo in a friendly, it was a statement of intent to Carlo Ancelotti that Rayan Rocha is here to make that right wing spot his own this summer.
Luiz Henrique, a winger Bournemouth were linked with from Zenit St Petersburg before the signing of Rayan in January, played the first 45 minutes and didn't complete a dribble, had a 60% passing accuracy and did not register a shot.
If you were Ancelotti, the only right winger I would be considering starting in their World Cup opener against Morocco in 2 weeks time would be the one from little old Bournemouth.
REUTERS/Ricardo MoraesI still need to pinch myself every once in a while when I catch myself talking about how some of AFC Bournemouth's players should be starting for the most decorated and highly rated national teams in world football, but long may it continue!
Boa Noite, Rayan. Up The Cherries!
