--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-06-09T18:54:53.568Z last_updated: 2026-06-09T05:00:00+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/norwich-city/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZWRwMjQuY28udWsvc3BvcnQvMjYxNzM0NjAubm9yd2ljaC1jaXR5LXNjb3V0LXJlcG9ydC10cmFuc2Zlci10YXJnZXQtYnJ1bm8tYWx2ZXMvP3JlZj1yc3M --- # SCOUT REPORT: What will Bruno Alves bring to Norwich City? - **Source:** - **Published:** 9 Jun - **Club:** Norwich City - **Original URL:** https://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/26173460.norwich-city-scout-report-transfer-target-bruno-alves/?ref=rss Norwich City are hoping to complete a deal to sign Cruzeiro centre-back Bruno Alves. We tasked Canaries fan and scout Sam Hardy with producing a report on the Brazilian youth international. Alves operates as a left-sided central defender for Cruzeiro’s youth team. He is utilised as a ball-playing defender and offers variation in build-up through a mixture of long, diagonal switches of play and low-driven progressive passes into midfield. He can also operate as a right-sided centre-back and allows his team to play with a high line due to his strong recovery pace. The defender is extremely similar to current Norwich defender Jose Cordoba in the tactical flexibility that he offers his team. The Brazilian has often operated in a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3, which will allow a smoother transition to Norwich. Alves is a modern-day ball-playing defender who focuses on advancing the ball forward. The 20-year-old is extremely two-footed, which allows different angles for passes into midfield and into wide areas. He often hits long passes to the right wing with excellent efficiency and technique. Alves is also able to drive the ball forward without passing, gaining territory on the opposition. He also possesses strong aerial ability, winning a plethora of aerial duels with a strong technique. Alves is effective in duels and has good timing, allowing for a formidable presence in the backline. Alves is a strong defender who uses his strength effectively to dominate strikers. He has a large physical frame for his age and will get even stronger over time. He is also a quick centre-back who will fit into the Norwich system effectively, as his pace will allow him to play in the high line. Alves’ physical attributes, matched with the similar intensity of Brazilian football in relation to England, should allow Alves to acclimatise to English football efficiently. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Web⚽️Soccer (@_websoccer) Alves comes across as a strong leader for his age group, taking the armband on six occasions in the 2025 season. Even in social media posts, Alves often uses phrases like “constant work,” underscoring a strong determination to succeed. However, Alves’ positioning can sometimes be exposed, often being too eager to engage with attackers, leaving gaps in the defence. This could be due to his young age or even a coaching point, and it is a coachable aspect of his game to improve. All stats taken from FIFA U20 WORLD CUP 2025 (233 mins): Overall, I think this would be a brilliant signing from Norwich. Although the risk is there with Alves coming from South America without a minute of senior football, I think Alves has some brilliant attributes, and anyone consistently linked with Real Madrid must have some potential. City need a left-sided central defender to cover for Jose Cordoba as well as being a long-term successor, and Alves fits the bill. Brazil U20 1–2 Morocco U20 FIFA U20 World Cup 2nd October 2025 Norwich City are hoping Bruno Alves will offer depth to Jose Cordoba on the left side of defence. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd) Bruno Alves had a strong game overall. He impressed me with his communication skills throughout the match, outlining his leadership traits for the present and future. He often encouraged a higher tempo in Brazil's passing and directed other players where to move, as well as intercepting promising attacks. This showcased a high level of game awareness. Alves was often at the base of Brazil's build-up play, taking responsibility for stimulating attacks. He often tried to break the lines, doing so on various occasions across central and wide areas, with both his left and right foot. The defender also often utilised his pace and awareness to defend in wide spaces against fast and technical attackers such as Othane Maamaa, a winger in the Championship at Watford. Despite the majority of the game being played on the floor, Alves dominated in the air when needed and showed composure to pick out teammates with defensive headers. However, Alves was prone to a couple of lapses in concentration. He was caught out of position on numerous occasions and had to be bailed out by teammates. Alves was also slightly frustrating to watch on the ball, as his passes often weren't in front of the receiver, thereby slowing any momentum in Brazil’s play. The defender also tired towards the end of the match, losing a yard of pace and making rash decisions he had not made at the start. There were also multiple occasions in the first half where Alves failed to track the run of the Moroccan striker on the blindside of his defensive partner. Overall, Bruno Alves performed well defensively, and it is clear why Norwich is interested. Although it will take a fair amount of time before he is at the level of Jose Cordoba or capable of replacing him.