Is Porto’s Yacine Brahimi ready to be next big Premier League purchase?

For staunch La Liga followers, who may not have kept track of the former Granada wingman, the answer may not appear so clear. Brahimi was certainly a threat for Watford’s sister club and Iberian part of the Pozzo family’s football empire, where he showcased all the trademark skills that him such a hit in Brazil, but was not quite the finished package.

It was end product that the 22-capped Desert Foxes dangerman was criticised for in Spain, where he was also crowned Best African Player, as Brahimi regularly placed himself in scoring positions, but came up short with just three goals and five assists in 64 appearances.

A jaw-dropping dribbler, Brahimi has the directness, pace, power and quickness of feet to dance through defences at will or, failing that, simply force his way though. His is certainly a style that would suit the Premier League, and compliment Arsenal’s similarly strong and adaptable Alexis Sanchez.

Most comfortable drifting from the left, bullish Brahimi can play anywhere across attacking midfield areas, and has made an instant impact since arriving at the Estadio de Dragao in summer, carrying on World Cup form that saw him impress international audiences.

Having immediately excelled in Portugal, however, Brahimi has shown a fantastic aptitude to adapt and step up his game. Not fazed by Champions League football, the 25-year-old has provided five of his 12 goals, and three of 10 assists, in just seven outings in the continental competition. Quite the improvement.

Brahimi clearly has a taste for the biggest stages, having grabbed a crucial opener, and also an assist, against Basel last time out in Europe. Now the toughest test of his career is about to arrive, as the in-form forward prepares to help Porto (5/1 to qualify for the Champions League semi-finals) down German Juggernaut Bayern Munich.

The Paris-born speedster is in the most prolific patch of his career, and has both the physicality and guile to challenge Bayern’s backline, making him the man to watch in Munich.

At 25, Brahimi has hopefully not yet reached his peak and, if the Algeria attacker can impress again, Arsenal may struggle to stay ahead in the expected queue for his services.

For a final taste of his talents, view Brahimi bullying Basel:

If you’re as impressed as we are with Brahimi, back him at 4/1 to net anytime in the first leg against depleted Bayern.