Antony Matheus dos Santos, simply known as Antony, has quickly become a prominent figure in the world of football. His dazzling skills, electrifying pace, and knack for scoring crucial goals have made him a fan favorite and a player to watch. This article delves into Antony’s career, dissecting his statistics, analyzing his playing style, and exploring the impact he has had on the pitch.
Early Career and Breakthrough at Ajax
Antony’s journey to stardom began in his native Brazil, where he honed his skills at the youth academy of São Paulo FC. His talent was undeniable, and he quickly rose through the ranks, making his senior debut in 2018. After impressing with his performances in Brazil, Antony made the leap to European football, joining Ajax Amsterdam in 2020.
It was at Ajax that Antony truly blossomed. Under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, he developed into a key player for the Dutch giants. His stats during his time at Ajax speak volumes about his attacking prowess:
Appearances: 82
Goals: 24
Assists: 22
These numbers highlight Antony’s ability to both score and create goals, making him a constant threat to opposing defenses. His contributions were instrumental in Ajax’s success, helping them win two consecutive Eredivisie titles and the KNVB Cup.
Move to Manchester United and Premier League Challenges
Antony’s impressive performances at Ajax caught the attention of several top clubs, and in 2022, he reunited with his former manager, Erik ten Hag, at Manchester United. The move to the Premier League, arguably the most competitive league in the world, presented a new challenge for Antony.
While he has shown glimpses of his brilliance, Antony’s stats in the Premier League have been a subject of scrutiny. As of February 2025, his Premier League record stands as follows:
Appearances: 62
Goals: 5
Assists: 3
These numbers indicate that Antony is still adapting to the demands of the Premier League. While his talent is evident, he needs to improve his consistency and goal-scoring output to justify his hefty transfer fee.
Analyzing Antony’s Playing Style
Antony is a dynamic winger who primarily operates on the right flank. His key strengths include:
Dribbling: Antony possesses exceptional dribbling skills, allowing him to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities.
Pace: His blistering pace makes him a constant threat on the counter-attack.
Technique: Antony’s technical ability is evident in his close control, passing, and shooting.
Versatility: He is capable of cutting inside and playing in central positions.
However, there are areas where Antony can improve:
Consistency: He needs to deliver consistent performances week in and week out.
Decision-making: Sometimes, his decision-making in the final third can be questionable.
Defensive contribution: Antony could contribute more defensively to help his team.
The Impact of Injuries and Form
Like any footballer, Antony has faced his share of injuries and dips in form. These factors have undoubtedly affected his statistics and overall performance. It’s crucial to consider these aspects when evaluating his contributions on the pitch.
Public Perception and Fan Expectations
Antony’s transfer to Manchester United came with high expectations, and fans have been eager to see him replicate his Ajax form in the Premier League. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, he has also faced criticism for his inconsistency and lack of goals.
The public perception of Antony is somewhat divided. Some fans appreciate his flair and skill, while others are concerned about his output and whether he justifies his price tag. It’s important for Antony to focus on his game and continue working hard to meet the expectations placed upon him.
Antony’s Future and Potential
Despite the challenges he has faced, Antony remains a young and promising player. He has the potential to become a star in the Premier League, but he needs to continue developing and improving his game.
With time and guidance from his manager, Antony can iron out the inconsistencies in his game and become a consistent performer for Manchester United. His talent is undeniable, and it’s only a matter of time before he starts fulfilling his potential.
FAQs
Who is Antony dos Santos?
Antony Matheus dos Santos, commonly known as Antony, is a Brazilian professional footballer born on February 24, 2000, in Osasco, Brazil. He plays as a right winger and is currently on loan at Real Betis from Manchester United.
What is Antony’s playing style?
Antony is renowned for his exceptional close control, quick direction changes, and dribbling skills. Standing at 1.74 meters, he often operates on the right wing, utilizing his ability to cut inside and shoot, reminiscent of players like Eden Hazard.
What were Antony’s achievements at São Paulo FC?
Antony progressed through São Paulo FC’s youth system, making his senior debut in 2018. Over two seasons, he made 48 appearances and scored six goals, showcasing his potential and attracting attention from European clubs.
How did Antony perform during his tenure at Ajax?
Antony joined Ajax in 2020 for an initial fee of £14.18 million, potentially rising to £26.5 million. During his time in the Netherlands, he made 57 league appearances, netting 18 goals, and contributed to Ajax’s consecutive Eredivisie titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.
When did Antony transfer to Manchester United, and how did he fare?
In August 2022, Antony transferred to Manchester United for €95 million (£82 million), setting a record as the highest fee paid for an Eredivisie player. Over two and a half seasons, he made 62 league appearances and scored five goals.
What led to Antony’s loan move to Real Betis?
By January 2025, Antony faced scrutiny in the media and did not meet the expectations set for him at Old Trafford. Consequently, he secured a loan move to Spanish side Real Betis to seek more playing time and revitalize his career.
How has Antony performed at Real Betis so far?
Since joining Real Betis on loan in early 2025, Antony has made three appearances and scored two goals, indicating a promising start with the La Liga club.
What are Antony’s international achievements with Brazil?
Antony has represented Brazil at various levels. He was part of the under-23 team that won the gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics. Additionally, he has earned 16 caps and scored two goals for the senior national team, including participation in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
What individual accolades has Antony received?
Throughout his career, Antony has garnered several individual honors, including Eredivisie Player of the Month (December 2020), Eredivisie Talent of the Month (December 2021), and Manchester United’s Goal of the Season for 2022-23.
To conclude
Antony dos Santos’s journey from the streets of Osasco to professional football in Europe exemplifies resilience and talent. His early promise at São Paulo FC led to a successful stint at Ajax, where he honed his skills and attracted global attention. The high-profile move to Manchester United presented challenges, culminating in a loan to Real Betis, where he aims to reignite his career. Internationally, his contributions to Brazil’s youth and senior teams underscore his potential on the world stage. As Antony continues to develop, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how he leverages his experiences to achieve sustained success in football.
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