UEFA Champions League football for Monaco next season remains a distinct possibility, and Caio is a large part of the reason why the principality side find themselves in fourth, just two points being third-place RC Lens.

The left-back has contributed nine assists this season - six of them from set pieces - which is more than any other player has managed across Europe's five major leagues per UEFA coefficient.

Back story:

Caio was born in Santos on 31 July 1997, and was 10 years old when he joined the club Pelé once called home. He never made it out of their youth academy, though - but not for a lack of talent.

Atletico Madrid bought Caio when he was 18 in February 2016 but after two years playing for their age group teams and reserves, but with countryman Filipe Luis and France international Lucas Hernandez blocking his path to the first team, he returned to Brazil on loan.

Caio had spells with Parana, Fluminense and Gremio before the COVID-19 pandemic hit five games into his spell with the latter. With Brazilian football on pause, Caio joined Monaco in August 2020, and has gone from strength to strength since.

Style of play:

Whilst Caio is a left-back, his history as a midfielder for Brazil at under-20 level is plain to see for anyone watching him today. Whilst no slouch, it is Henrique's skill and vision that get him up the left flank, while his average of two tackles per game are the tally of a defender who tends to read the danger long before it is too late.

Current campaign:

Only Axel Disasi and Youssouf Fofana have had more minutes for Monaco in Ligue 1 Uber Eats than Caio this season, which is impressive considering how involved the Brazilian is at either end of the field.

The 25-year old scored a free-kick against LOSC in October - although he had been trying to assist with a ball into the box - and he has since tallied nine assists, most recently posting a pair of provisions as Monaco drew 2-2 with FC Nantes in Round 30.

Watch: Highlights of Monaco's 2-2 draw at Nantes

What they said:

"Wearing the [Brazil] jersey's in the back of my mind. The World Cup's nearly here and I know that it'll be difficult. I need to continue playing as I have been for Monaco in order to be ready if the opportunity arises. There's also a possibility with Spain in the future."

- Caio, hitherto uncapped at senior level, on his international future last year.

"I feel it's important to be able to play in two positions: full back and midfield. I prefer attacking… we Brazilians, we're used to attacking, we love to go forward. I'm learning a lot about the defensive side. That said, I try to attack when I can. It's important for me to make assists because they give you visibility and, of course, they help the team."

- Caio on his versatility.