Leandro Montera da Silva – simply known as Leandro to the Gamba faithful – is currently in his 5th season in Japan, yet – born on Feb.12 1985 – is still only 24. His form and fortunes have grown exponentially after his first season at Omiya (7 appearances, 1 goal). In 2006 he caught the eye of many with 23 goals in 40 appearances in J2 with Montedio Yamagata and made the move to J1 with Vissel Kobe where, despite some long-term injuries, and playing in a team struggling to keep up with the “big boys”, he struck 22 goals in 57 games over two seasons.2009 sees him in the blue and black of Gamba Osaka and, before a month-long injury break had managed 8 goals in 11 J.League games for the AFC Champions… but it is in the AFC, in the ACL group games where he has really made his mark this season. Despite Gamba crashing out in the last 16 game, Leandro scored two goals in the 2-3 defeat to Kawasaki Frontale and took his tally in the tournament to ten – the most by any player since the ACL began in 2002.Gamba coach, Akira Nishino has made a name for himself by taking Brazilian strikers from other J.League teams and turning them into matchwinners. Araujo, Bare and Magno Alves all had reasonable seasons before joining the Gamba stable but his top form under Nishino. It looks like Leandro is the next one in line.He strikes with power with either foot – and his head – slices through defences with pace and skill, and creates chances from nothing with quick thinking that match the swift feet! He scores, but he also creates, from either wing and though the middle. Gamba’s passing game suits him and he can finish off a move or allow someone else to score the goals!It’s only a matter of time before the big clubs come calling but, if Gamba can hold on to their asset for a few years he could well make J.League history!