Overview
Alan Patrick Lourenço, commonly known as Alan Patrick, is a Brazilian professional footballer who primarily operates as an attacking midfielder. Born on May 13, 1991, in Catanduva, Brazil, he stands at 1.75 meters (5 ft 9 in) and is predominantly left-footed, a trait that often dictates his positioning and passing angles on the field. Throughout his career, Alan Patrick has become recognized for his technical proficiency, eye for a pass, and ability to contribute goals from deeper or advanced midfield roles. His career has seen him play across Brazil and a significant tenure in Ukrainian football.
Position
Alan Patrick is categorized as a midfielder, with his most effective role traditionally being that of an attacking midfielder or a central midfielder with creative responsibilities. He often occupies the space behind the main striker, acting as a link between the midfield and the attack. His positional intelligence allows him to find pockets of space, receive the ball under pressure, and initiate offensive movements. While primarily an attacking force, he also exhibits tactical discipline when required to drop deeper and assist in build-up play or defensive transitions.
Identity
Alan Patrick’s footballing identity is characterized by his technical elegance and creative impetus. He is often described as a 'playmaker' due to his ability to orchestrate attacks, deliver incisive passes, and dictate the tempo of the game. His left foot is a significant asset, used for precise distribution, set-piece delivery, and striking from distance. This combination of vision, technical skill, and goal threat makes him a valuable asset in the final third, capable of unlocking stubborn defenses and creating opportunities for teammates.
Career path
Alan Patrick began his football journey within the youth ranks of Santos FC, one of Brazil's most historic clubs, known for its strong academy system. He progressed through the various age groups before making his senior debut for the club. His time at Santos saw him emerge as a promising talent, catching the eye with his performances in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and various cup competitions. He was part of a Santos squad that achieved significant success during his early years.
Santos FC (2009-2011)
Alan Patrick officially joined the senior squad at Santos FC in 2009. His initial years were spent gaining experience and integrating into the first team. He featured in important matches, contributing to the club's domestic success. During his tenure, Santos enjoyed a golden period, winning the Copa do Brasil in 2010 and the Campeonato Paulista in 2010 and 2011. He was also a member of the squad that triumphed in the Copa Libertadores in 2011, though his role was more peripheral by that point (Transfermarkt).
Shakhtar Donetsk (2011-2015, 2016-2022)
In 2011, Alan Patrick made a significant move to European football, joining Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk. This transfer marked a new chapter in his career, exposing him to different tactical systems and the UEFA Champions League. His initial stint with Shakhtar was characterized by periods of adaptation and loan spells to gain regular playing time. He was loaned back to Brazil, first to Internacional in 2013-2015 and then to Flamengo in 2015-2016, where he continued to develop his game and gain valuable experience in competitive Brazilian leagues (Transfermarkt).
Upon his return to Shakhtar Donetsk in 2016, Alan Patrick solidified his place in the team. He became a crucial player in the midfield, contributing to multiple Ukrainian Premier League titles, Ukrainian Cups, and Ukrainian Super Cups. He also featured regularly in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, gaining experience against top European opposition (Transfermarkt). His second spell at Shakhtar was a period of consistent performance and significant trophy collection.
Internacional (2022-Present)
In 2022, Alan Patrick returned to Brazil, rejoining Internacional, a club where he had previously played on loan. This move brought him back to his home country, where he could continue to play a leading role in a top-flight club. Since his return, he has been a key figure in Internacional's midfield, tasked with providing creativity and leadership. His wealth of experience from both Brazilian and European football has made him an influential presence on the pitch.
Playing style
Alan Patrick's playing style is built around his technical capabilities and tactical intelligence, making him a versatile midfielder capable of influencing play in various ways. As an attacking midfielder, his primary strengths lie in his vision, passing range, and ability to create goal-scoring opportunities.
Technical Attributes
- Passing and Vision: Alan Patrick possesses excellent vision, allowing him to identify and execute difficult passes that unlock defenses. He is adept at playing through balls, diagonal switches, and short, intricate passes to maintain possession. His passing accuracy is consistently high, a testament to his composure and technique (Sofascore).
- Dribbling and Ball Control: With a low center of gravity and good close control, he is comfortable operating in tight spaces. He can retain possession under pressure and execute quick turns or dribbles to evade markers, enabling him to carry the ball forward and break lines.
- Shooting: Alan Patrick carries a goal threat from midfield. He has a powerful and accurate left-footed shot, capable of scoring from outside the box. His ability to arrive late in the box also allows him to convert chances from closer range.
- Set-Piece Delivery: His left foot is also a significant asset from set-piece situations. He is often responsible for taking corners and free-kicks, delivering dangerous balls into the opposition penalty area, capable of creating direct goal threats or assisting teammates.
Positional Awareness and Work Rate
Beyond his technical skills, Alan Patrick demonstrates strong positional awareness. He effectively finds space between the opposition's defensive and midfield lines, making himself available for passes and linking play. While primarily an offensive player, he also contributes to the defensive phase, tracking back and applying pressure when required, though his primary role is to drive attacks. His ability to transition rapidly from defense to attack is crucial for counter-attacking scenarios.
Comparatively, Alan Patrick shares some stylistic similarities with other Brazilian playmakers known for their technical craft and vision, such as a younger Diego Ribas or even qualities seen in creative midfielders like Everton Ribeiro, in terms of their ability to dictate play and deliver intricate passes from the center of the pitch.
Achievements & honours
Alan Patrick has enjoyed a successful career, accumulating numerous team honors at both domestic and continental levels, particularly during his time with Santos FC and Shakhtar Donetsk. His consistent performances have contributed to his clubs' triumphs in various competitions.
Club Honours
| Club | Competition | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Santos FC | Campeonato Paulista | 2010, 2011 |
| Santos FC | Copa do Brasil | 2010 |
| Santos FC | Copa Libertadores | 2011 |
| Shakhtar Donetsk | Ukrainian Premier League | 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20 |
| Shakhtar Donetsk | Ukrainian Cup | 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19 |
| Shakhtar Donetsk | Ukrainian Super Cup | 2017, 2021 |
These achievements highlight his instrumental role in successful teams across different leagues and competitions. His four Ukrainian Premier League titles with Shakhtar Donetsk underscore his sustained contribution to the club's dominance in Ukraine (Transfermarkt). The Copa Libertadores victory with Santos in 2011 represents a significant continental triumph in his early career.
International career
Alan Patrick has represented Brazil at various youth levels, showcasing his potential from an early age. His performances for the youth national teams brought him recognition and experience on the international stage, but a senior call-up has been elusive throughout his career.
Youth International Appearances
He was a key member of the Brazil U20 national team. His notable appearance was at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia. Alan Patrick played a significant role in Brazil's triumphant campaign at this tournament, where they ultimately lifted the trophy. He featured in several matches, contributing to the team's attacking prowess and demonstrating his leadership qualities within the squad (FIFA). This experience at a global youth tournament provided him with valuable exposure and competitive minutes against some of the world's most promising young talents.
Senior National Team Prospects
Despite a successful club career in both Brazil and Europe, Alan Patrick has not earned a senior cap for the Brazil national team. Competition for midfield spots in the Brazilian squad is historically high, with many talented players vying for selection. His consistent performances for clubs like Shakhtar Donetsk, particularly in European competitions, kept him on the radar, but ultimately, he did not breakthrough into the senior squad that participates in major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup or the Copa América. His international career remains highlighted by his significant contributions at the youth level, culminating in a cherished U-20 World Cup title.
What makes Alan Patrick stand out
Alan Patrick distinguishes himself through a combination of technical refinement and tactical awareness, particularly in his role as a creative midfielder. His consistent ability to deliver incisive passes and provide a goal threat from open play and set-pieces makes him a difficult player for opposition defenses to contain. One of his standout traits is his exceptional left foot, which he utilizes with precision for both shooting and intricate passing, often allowing him to create chances from unexpected angles.
Another key aspect is his composure under pressure. Even in tightly contested midfield battles, Alan Patrick maintains a calm demeanor, enabling him to make intelligent decisions and execute complex maneuvers. His experience in high-stakes matches, including the UEFA Champions League, has further honed this ability to perform at a high level when it matters most. He has a knack for finding pockets of space, making him a perpetual threat to link play and initiate attacking sequences.
"Alan Patrick is a player with incredible technical quality and vision. He can change the rhythm of a game with a single pass or a moment of individual brilliance." – Editorial Summation