As the curtain went down on the tournament in Japan, Bolanos’s phone rang with some sensational news: European champions Liverpool wanted to take the Costa Rican starlet on trial. Reds’ coach Rafael Benitez had been impressed by Bolanos’s displays in the Far East and wanted to take a closer look. The young starlet was delighted to accept, going on to spend ten days at Anfield under the expert eye of the world-renowned Spanish coach.

Unfortunately, the Saprissa player came just short of earning a deal at the English Premiership side and returned to Costa Rica. All is not lost however, as another crack at European football will surely be on the cards should he catch the eye this summer in Germany.

It goes without saying that the Liverpool management staff know exactly what they were doing when they invited him over to England. Christian is without a doubt the most talented Costa Rican player of his generation. He is quick, direct, two-footed and able to perform admirably at wing-back, in midfield or even up front.

Fearless display
The English coach and TV pundit, David Pleat, hit the nail on the head when he described the player’s performances in Japan as he said: “While his team-mates seemed in awe of Liverpool, Bolanos played without fear. He demanded the ball, went looking for possession and immediately looked to take on the opposition defenders.”

Bolanos’s talent was spotted at a very early age, when he took part in his country’s qualifying bid for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Trinidad and Tobago 2001 at the age of 16. He went on to play a key role in his side’s impressive performance at the tournament itself.

Having made his debut with the Saprissa first-team just days after returning from his adventure in Trinidad and Tobago, Bolanos gradually set about earning himself a regular place in the side.

His baptism of fire arrived in 2005 in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Final when his team faced mighty UNAM Pumas of Mexico. In a sign of things to come, Bolanos showed nerves of steel to put in exemplary performances in both legs of the final, helping the ‘Purple Monster’ win the title and take their place in Japan.

Bolanos also caught the eye of Alexandre Guimaraes who, as soon as being reappointed Costa Rican national team coach, wasted no time in calling up the adaptable youngster. Since then, Bolanos has taken the bull by the horns and is ready to play a decisive role in the Ticos’ bid for FIFA World Cup™ glory.

The talent of Bolanos is set to shine brightly this summer, and opposing defences are advised to be on their guard when he has the ball at his feet. In the words of Pleat: “A lot of people are going to be impressed by his ability when they see him in action in the opening game with Germany. I predict that he’ll be playing his football either in England or in another European league once the World Cup is over.”