Antony dos Santos, often referred to simply as Antony, is a Brazilian professional footballer who has quickly risen to prominence due to his dazzling skills, pace, and creativity on the field. As a winger, his performances for both club and country have captured the attention of fans and pundits alike. In this article, we take a deep dive into Antony’s stats, analyzing his performance over the years, his growth as a player, and what makes him one of the brightest young talents in world football.
Early Life and Career Development
His journey in football started at a young age when he joined the youth ranks of São Paulo FC. Growing up in one of the most competitive footballing nations in the world, Antony’s talent quickly became evident. His exceptional dribbling, vision, and flair made him stand out, even as a teenager. This earned him a call-up to São Paulo’s senior squad in 2018, marking the beginning of his professional career.
At São Paulo, Antony caught the eye of many top clubs with his performances, notably in the Copa Libertadores and Brazil’s domestic league. His style of play, characterized by quick feet, directness, and flair, made him a nightmare for defenders. It wasn’t long before European clubs took notice.
Antony’s Move to Europe: Ajax
In 2020, Antony made the move to European football, joining the Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam. The move to the Eredivisie was a pivotal moment in Antony’s career, providing him with a platform to showcase his talents on a bigger stage. Under the management of Erik ten Hag, Antony flourished, becoming one of Ajax’s most influential players. His performances in both domestic and European competitions cemented his reputation as one of the best young wingers in Europe.
During his time at Ajax, Antony’s statistics were impressive. In the 2020-2021 season, he scored 10 goals and provided 8 assists in 30 appearances across all competitions, playing a crucial role in Ajax’s Eredivisie title win. His contribution to Ajax’s attacking play was indispensable, as he was often involved in both scoring and assisting.
Antony’s Impact in the Eredivisie
Antony’s success in the Eredivisie cannot be overstated. His ability to take on defenders and create opportunities for his teammates made him one of the most feared wingers in the league. In addition to his goal-scoring feats, Antony’s dribbling skills stood out, completing a high percentage of his take-ons and constantly putting pressure on opposition defenses.
In the 2021-2022 season, Antony continued his rise to stardom with Ajax, scoring 12 goals and contributing 10 assists in 32 appearances. These stats proved his consistency and highlighted his growing importance in Ajax’s attacking setup. His vision and creativity made him a key player in Ajax’s successes both domestically and in the UEFA Champions League, where he made a name for himself on the European stage.
Antony’s Move to Manchester United
In 2022, Antony made a high-profile move to English Premier League side Manchester United, reuniting with his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag. The transfer, reported to be worth around £85 million, made Antony one of the most expensive Brazilian players in history. It was a statement of intent from Manchester United, who were looking to bolster their attacking options.
The move to the Premier League marked a new chapter for Antony, as he faced a more competitive and physical league. Despite the challenges, Antony’s flair, pace, and ability to produce moments of magic have made him a key player for United. His first season saw him score 8 goals and provide 2 assists in 23 appearances, showing that he could make an immediate impact in one of the toughest leagues in the world.
Antony’s Style of Play
Antony’s playing style is one of the most exciting aspects of his game. As a winger, he is known for his exceptional dribbling skills, quick acceleration, and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. His preferred position is on the right wing, where he can cut inside onto his stronger left foot and take shots at goal. His quick feet and close control allow him to navigate tight spaces, making him a constant threat in the final third.
Additionally, Antony’s vision and creativity are standout attributes. He is capable of delivering accurate crosses, threading precise through balls, and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. His ability to combine flair with intelligence makes him a valuable asset to any attacking setup.
Antony’s International Career with Brazil
Antony has also made a name for himself on the international stage. Since making his debut for the Brazilian national team in 2020, he has been a regular fixture in the squad. His performances for Brazil have seen him play in major tournaments like the Copa América and World Cup qualifiers.
During the 2021 Copa América, Antony played a crucial role in Brazil’s success, helping them reach the final. His performances were praised for his directness and ability to contribute both in attack and in defensive transitions. As one of Brazil’s promising young stars, Antony has quickly become a key figure for his national team.
Antony’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
One of Antony’s most notable strengths is his dribbling. He can take on defenders with ease, often beating them with a combination of skill and pace. His ability to use his body to shield the ball and create space for himself is exceptional. Additionally, his shooting ability is impressive, particularly when cutting inside from the right wing onto his stronger left foot. He has an eye for goal and is capable of scoring from outside the box.
Another key strength is his work rate. Antony is not only an attacking threat but also a hard worker off the ball. His pressing ability and defensive contributions make him a well-rounded player, something that is especially important in the high-pressing systems employed by Erik ten Hag at both Ajax and Manchester United.
Weaknesses
Despite his impressive skill set, Antony has areas where he can improve. One of the most significant weaknesses in his game is his consistency. While he is capable of producing moments of brilliance, there are times when he can be quiet in matches. Improving his consistency, especially in the Premier League, will be important for Antony to take his game to the next level.
Additionally, while his dribbling is a strength, Antony can sometimes become too predictable when facing defenders. He tends to favor cutting inside on his left foot, and if defenders can predict this movement, they can nullify his impact. Expanding his range of tricks and moves will make him even more dangerous.
Antony’s Statistics at Manchester United
Since joining Manchester United, Antony has continued to grow as a player. His statistics in the Premier League show a promising start, with his 8 goals and 2 assists in the 2022-2023 season highlighting his contribution to the team. While he hasn’t reached the same numbers he posted in the Eredivisie, the adjustment to the Premier League’s intensity and physicality is a factor in this.
Antony’s ability to make an impact in crucial matches, including against top-tier opposition, has made him an important player in United’s squad. As he continues to adapt to the Premier League and work with Erik ten Hag, it is expected that his stats will continue to improve.
FAQs
What are Antony dos Santos’ current stats in 2025?
Antony dos Santos, the Brazilian winger for Manchester United, has been in great form recently. As of February 2025, Antony has played numerous matches in the Premier League and UEFA competitions. His key stats include goals, assists, and his overall performance on the field. His speed, dribbling, and ability to cut inside make him a constant threat on the right wing.
How many goals has Antony dos Santos scored this season?
As of the 2024-2025 season, Antony has scored a notable number of goals for Manchester United in both domestic and international competitions. His finishing ability and direct style of play have helped him secure goals, although the exact number can vary depending on the matchday.
What is Antony’s assist tally for this season?
Along with scoring, Antony has also contributed a significant number of assists, showcasing his all-around abilities. His precise crosses and key passes have led to important assists for his teammates, helping Manchester United in both the Premier League and UEFA competitions.
How many appearances has Antony made for Manchester United?
Antony has been a regular starter under Erik ten Hag’s system. His ability to track back and contribute defensively, alongside his attacking instincts, has seen him make numerous appearances for the team. His involvement in major matches has been a key factor in his development as a player.
What is Antony dos Santos’ playing style?
Antony is known for his quick feet, flair, and creativity. He excels in one-on-one situations, often using his skill to beat defenders. His dribbling, combined with his ability to shoot from range, makes him an unpredictable attacking force. Antony’s adaptability allows him to play both as a winger or occasionally in more central attacking roles.
How has Antony dos Santos’ performance been compared to other wingers?
In the current season, Antony has held his own against some of the top wingers in the Premier League. While players like Mohamed Salah and Raheem Sterling often steal the limelight, Antony’s consistency and contributions have helped him earn praise from fans and analysts alike.
Final Thought
Antony dos Santos is undoubtedly one of the brightest young talents in world football. From his early days at São Paulo to his current status as a key player at Manchester United, Antony’s rise has been nothing short of impressive. His stats speak volumes about his ability and potential, and as he continues to develop, he is likely to become one of the top wingers in the world.
While he still has areas to improve, such as consistency and expanding his skill set, there is no doubt that Antony’s future in football is incredibly promising. With his flair, creativity, and natural ability, he is a player to watch for years to come. Fans of Manchester United, Brazil, and football in general will undoubtedly be excited to see how Antony continues to grow and make his mark on the game.
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