Giovanni Dos Santos/photo credit: Mediotiempo

The career of Mexican international star Giovanni Dos Santos has been observed throughout the world with great fervor and interest. After leading the Mexican U-17 squad to World Cup victory and winning that tournament’s Silver Ball, the player floundered in the club scene. Getting only bench time at Spanish powerhouse Barcelona and not making the same impact on the pitch with the senior Mexican team, critics began to state that the youngster merely wasn’t living up to his promise or potential. However, naysayers of the young Mexican player seem to be humming a different tune following his performance at this year’s Gold Cup.

Giovanni Dos Santos was by far the most dangerous and effective player in the entire tournament. He dominated his opponents, out dribbled the defense and set-up picture perfect passes. He managed to rack up two goals, help Mexico end their ten-year drought against the United States and, in the end; he was awarded the MVP award for best player of the tournament.

Following his successful run at the Gold Cup, Giovanni returned to his English club, Tottenham Hotspur. However, the player was again relegated to the bench and then succumbed to an injury that prevented him from playing for the remainder of 2009. Questions rose as to whether or not Dos Santos would be able to refine his skills before venturing to South Africa this summer.

Since fully recovering in early 2010, Dos Santos has been sent on-loan to Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray, once again bringing Gio together with former Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard. He already has earned playing time, coming into yesterday’s game as a substitute early in the second half.

By working under a familiar manager and playing for a competitive team, Dos Santos should have no problem maintaining the form he displayed last summer. In fact, the youngster should only get better. Dos Santos has been a shining star in the CONCACAF and there is little doubt that he is both ready and capable of making his presence known on the international level come this June.