🌍 Empire FGA Player Analysis — January 2026
As of January 2026, **Pedro Raul** officially returns to **Corinthians** following a productive
12-month loan spell at **Ceará SC**. In 2025, Raul successfully rediscovered his "Target Man"
efficiency, netting **9 goals** and dominating the aerial landscape of Brazilian football. His
profile remains unique in the current Corinthians roster; his 1.93m frame and elite hold-up play
provide a tactical "Plan B" that was visibly missing during the latter half of the 2025 season.
Empire Verdict: A "Specialist Target CF" whose value
is maximized when supported by creative/inverted wingers. While not a high-volume dribbler, his
ability to facilitate long-ball exits and finish in the 6-yard box makes him a vital rotation asset
for a multi-competition 2026 schedule. Empire FGA Rating: 76.8/100 — Specialist
Tier.
🚨 Tactical Utility Alert
Raul is the highest-rated "Aerial Anchor" currently at Corinthians. His 2025 data shows an 18%
improvement in "Box Occupancy" metrics compared to his previous stint at the club.
⚡ 2025 Loan Performance (Ceará)
Key performance markers from his successful loan
resurrection.
Ceará
Novorizontino
2 - 0
⚽ 1 Goal (Header)
🏆 12 Air Won
Sport Recife
Ceará
1 - 1
⚽ 1 Goal
Ceará
Vila Nova
3 - 1
⚽ 1 Goal
🅰️ 1 Assist
Tactical Evolution: Raul utilized 2025 to refine his
diagonal runs, moving away from being a purely static #9. This makes him a much more viable option
for Corinthians' transition-based attack. Empire Mobility Rating: 72/100
📊 Core FGA Intelligence Metrics
All metrics scaled to /100 for Empire FGA standardization.
Tier 1: Automated Metrics (60% Weight)
Tier 2: Semi-Automated Metrics (30% Weight)
Tier 3: Manual Scout Assessment (10% Weight)
🧠 60-Philosophy Framework Alignment
Pedro Raul's tactical suitability for modern systems.
Top 10 Philosophy Fits
Allardyce (Classic Target) 96/100
Moyes (Box Presence) 92/100
Dyche (Physical Anchor) 90/100
Conte (Target Referent) 84/100
Mourinho (Target Focal) 82/100
Allegri (Tactical Height) 78/100
Ranieri (Counter-Focal) 74/100
Simeone (Holdup Play) 70/100
Ferguson (Traditional #9) 68/100
Bielsa (Movement - Low Fit) 45/100
School Averages
📈 Career Statistics Overview
| Club |
Season(s) |
Apps |
Goals |
FGA Status |
| Corinthians (Return) |
2026- |
0 |
0 |
ACTIVE |
| Ceará (Loan) |
2025 |
31 |
9 |
Resurrection Era |
| Corinthians / Toluca |
2023-2024 |
42 |
7 |
Transition Phase |
| Goiás |
2022 |
50 |
26 |
Elite Peak |
Factual 2025 Goal Log
| Type of Goal |
Count |
Conversion % |
Empire Impact Rating |
| Header |
5 |
32% |
96/100 |
| Right Foot Finish |
3 |
22% |
81/100 |
| Left Foot / Scramble |
1 |
14% |
68/100 |
📊 Player Comparison (South American Target Men)
Comparing Pedro Raul vs Gabriel Barbosa (FLA) and Jonathan Calleri (SPFC) — 2025/26 Physical
Projection
📌 Final Scout Assessment — January 2026
Strengths (Elite Tier)
Aerial Dominance95/100
Box Grounding92/100
Holdup facilitation91/100
Physical Frame94/100
Development Areas
Dribbling Isolation55/100 (Limited)
Agile transitions52/100 (Weight)
🏆 EMPIRE FGA FINAL RATING: 76.8/100
Classification: Specialist Target Tier (75-80 range)
Acquisition Notes: Raul returns to Corinthians as a "fixed asset" for specific
tactical scenarios. His successful 2025 at Ceará proved he is still a top-5 aerial threat in South
America. He provides a unique dimension that ensures Corinthians aren't predictable against
low-block defenses in 2026.
🔮 2026 Season Prediction:
Expected to record 10-12 goals across all competitions. Likely the primary
starting option for games involving high-volume crossing or as a "sledgehammer" sub in the final
20 minutes of drawn matches.
