Manchester City continue to track Vitor Reis’ progress at Girona, and the defender has now received one of his strongest endorsements yet.
Speaking in a podcast, Palmeiras academy director João Paulo Sampaio delivered high praise for the 19-year-old and even projected a long future for him with Brazil’s national team, as reported by [**ESPN Brazil**](https://www.espn.com.br/futebol/palmeiras/artigo/_/id/15958045/diretor-base-palmeiras-elogia-nova-joia-faz-previsao-ousada-para-vitor-reis).
Sampaio worked directly with Reis during his time in the club’s academy. He believes the centre-back has the quality to reach the highest level. The director described him as a rare talent with technical strength, physical power, mentality and leadership.
_“He will be Brazil’s centre-back for the next three or four World Cups. This kid is very different. Technically, physically, mentally, as a leader… he is one of the best in the Spanish league in terms of numbers”,_ Sampaio said.
#### Standout numbers in La Liga
Reis has played more minutes than any other under-20 player in La Liga this season. He has featured in 11 matches, ahead of big names like Lamine Yamal and Franco Mastantuono.
In this age bracket, he leads in interceptions (9), accurate long balls (24) and minutes played (888). He also ranks third for tackles (12).
As he’s playing within the City Football Group, the Premier League side is [**monitoring his development closely**](https://sportwitness.co.uk/manchester-city-track-e37m-defender-every-5-games-patient-strategy-revealed/). The expectation remains that he will return to the Etihad once he completes his two-season spell in Spain.