Five Youngsters Shining at the Start of the 2016 Brasileirão

Euro 2016 and the Copa América may be in full swing, but domestic football in Brazil waits for no man or beast.

In little more than a month, we've already rattled through nine rounds of the 2016 Campeonato Brasileiro – the kind of breathless run that reminds you that this league, more than perhaps any other, is both a marathon and a sprint. For clubs eyeing a title tilt, a strong start is essential; you never know what disruptions the European transfer window could bring.

There has been some decent football played so far. Palmeiras have caught the eye with a fluid, progressive system. Internacional, led by the pragmatic Argel Fucks(!), are not quite so easy on the eye but have the look of title challengers. Santos and Grêmio are flying the flag for possession football.

In other circumstances, the thriving veterans of the division would be worthy of our attention at this juncture. Renato (Santos), Juan (Coritiba), Diego Lugano (São Paulo) and especially Santa Cruz striker Grafite are all enjoying fine campaigns despite being well into their 30s.

But recent developments surrounding the Brazil national team call for a look to the future. 

After the Seleção's embarrassing early Copa América elimination and the subsequent sacking of Dunga, there have been calls for a new approach and fresh blood in the Brazil set-up. Tite has taken the reins after an impressive spell with Corinthians and will be charged with dragging Brazil into the modern era after the drudgery of the last decade.

His task starts at the Rio Olympics, where he will be able to test some of the players who, it is hoped, will form the spine of future sides. The likes of Gabriel Barbosa, Walace and Rodrigo Caio were drafted into the squad for the Copa and should play a major role in the campaign, but Tite will be well aware that there is a whole crop of youngsters doing the business in Série A this season.

Here are five who have impressed so far and may fancy their chances of earning call-ups:

Luan (Grêmio) - 7.95 rating

A fleet-footed forward capable of playing through the middle or out wide, Luan came out of his shell when Roger Machado replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari last season and has since established himself as one of the division's most dangerous attackers.

He may be just as happy setting up goals as scoring them – only four players grabbed more assists than his 7 last season – but there is a coolness to his finishing that suggests he can become a prolific marksman. His brace against Atlético Mineiro said it all: two cool finishes, one off each foot, one at the end of a passing move, the other after a swift counter.

His importance to Grêmio is obvious: no Tricolor player comes close to his 3.5 shots per game, while his willingness to dribble (1.6 per game) and eye for a through ball (2.5 key passes per game) make him an all-round threat in the final third. Remember the name.

William (Internacional) 7.85 rating

With Dani Alves entering the twilight of his career and question marks over the other Brazil right-backs at present (Danilo, Fabinho), Inter youngster William could well find himself in the conversation after a magnificent start to the campaign.

He has helped the Colorado to 5 clean sheets in their opening 9 games of the season, contributing more tackles (4.2 per game) and interceptions (4.3 per game) than any of his teammates. That would be reason enough to be impressed, yet the 21-year-old has also had a big say at the other end of the field.

It was William's slalom run and cross that helped Inter see off a dogged São Paulo side in the second week of the season, and he chipped in with 2 more assists in the 3-1 win over América Mineiro. If he continues in this vein, Inter could have quite the asset on their hands.

Gabriel Jésus (Palmeiras) - 7.53 rating

Already linked with a number of Europe's big clubs, the 19-year-old is fast becoming the hottest property in Brazil. Tipped for the top for some time, the striker has built on a promising campaign in 2015 to become one of the marquee attractions for Palmeiras this season.

Gabriel Jésus played mainly from the left last term and started the new season in a similar role, but injuries elsewhere have forced him to take more responsibility, often in a central striking position. He has thrived so far, using his awareness and quick feet to bring others into play rather than going it alone.

The stats underline his growing contribution: he attempts fewer dribbles per game than he did last season (1.3 last season, 0.8 this) but is crossing more, shooting more (2.8 per game from 1.9), passing more (7 more per game, currently) and winning more free-kicks. He can be a touch erratic at times, but he could become a Brazil regular if he continues to progress at the current rate.

Gustavo Scarpa (Fluminense) - 7.23 rating

Midfielder Gustavo Scarpa has been a bright spark in a difficult season for Fluminense. The scuttling 22-year-old, who filled in at left-back at times last term, has established himself as the Tricolor's main attacking force with a series of busy displays.

No one in the division has more attempts on goal (a staggering 4.2 per game) and his gorgeous free-kick against Santa Cruz underlined his ability from dead balls. But there is also creativity to his game: he leads Série A in key passes (28 in 9 games) and accurate crosses (31). 

The recent sale of Fred to Atlético Mineiro means even more will be expected of Scarpa in the months ahead, but there is nothing that suggests he will not be able to rise to the occasion.

Vitor Bueno (Santos) - 7.14 rating

With Gabriel and Lucas Lima away on international duty and Ricardo Oliveira injured, Santos desperately needed someone to step up to the plate. That someone was Vitor Bueno, who has continued as he left off in the São Paulo state championship with some zippy, positive performances in attacking midfield.

Vitor has played twice as many key passes (13) than any other Santos player, but perhaps the most notable aspect of is game is the willingness to shoot from all angles: he has had 22 shots on goal so far, 13 of them from outside the area. He has been rewarded for his desire with 4 goals in 9 games – a return that suggests he can be Santos' new talisman if and when Lucas and Gabriel move on.

How many of these players do you think will make Brazil's Olympics squad? Let us know in the comments below