{9} Eduardo da Silva

• • Name: Eduardo da Silva [LM, ST]
  • Born: 25/02/1983
  • Caps: 12 – CROATIA (Brazilian by birth)
  • Clubs:
    • 1997 CBF Nova Kennedy
    • 1998-99: Dynamo Zagreb
    • 1999-2000: Bangu Atlético Clube (loan)
    • 2000-01: Dynamo Zagreb
    • 2001-02: Inter Zaprešić (loan)
    • 2002-2007: Dynamo Zagreb
    • 2007-Present: Arsenal FC

The signing came out of the blue – Arsenal fans were demanding Huntelaar, Tevez, even Anelka, but it was the Brazilian-cum-Croat that got the nod from Wenger.

Arsenal had already flinched at the hands of Eduardo early in the 06/07 season, conceding the first European goal scored at the Emirates Stadium in the second leg of qualifying for the Champions League, for Dynamo Zagreb.. Eduardo broke down the left wing onto a through-ball from midfield, fed the ball to the on rushing striker, who backheeled the ball onto a sliding Kolo Toure. Toure, failing to control it, was at the mercy of the onrushing Eduardo, who tucked the ball crisply below the arm of Almunia, and into the bottom right corner. That season saw Eduardo break Croatian scoring records in the domestic league, top scoring with 34 goals in 32 games for Zagreb.

Eduardo is a relative unknown quantity, but his scoring record over the past few seasons is very impressive – he’s been the domestic league’s leading scorer for both the 05/06 and 06/07 seasons. Eduardo also scored against England in a match more remembered for Robinson and Phil Neville’s hilarious own goal.

Is Eduardo Thierry Henry’s replacement? The playing styles seem very different, but in the end, it’s goals that count. Arsenal fans will be looking forward to how Eduardo molds into the team’s dynamic, and exactly how many goals will be forthcoming.

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