The overwhelming perception is that that is Brazil’s yr and that it’s going to win its sixth World Cup crown in Qatar subsequent month. Tite introduced a powerful 26-man squad led by the mercurial Neymar. Twenty-two of the 26 gamers play in Europe with 12 representatives from the Premier League. Brazil does have a stacked attacking line-up, however does the Selecao have all bases lined to elevate the trophy?
Brazil probably has the strongest goalkeeping one-two at this World Cup with Alisson Becker (Liverpool) and Ederson (Manchester Metropolis). Each are adequately wonderful with their toes whereas taking part in out from the again however Alisson tends to get the nod forward of Ederson in Brazil colors due to his shot-stopping capacity. Third-choice goalkeeper Weverton lately received the Brazil first division title with Palmeiras.
Whereas Brazil has misplaced solely to Argentina in its final 29 matches, it has performed just one European workforce for the reason that 2018 World Cup. Defence is probably the place Brazil seems slightly prone on paper and the place it might be weak. Identified for his or her expansive attacking fashion of soccer and excessive line of defense, Brazil’s defence will likely be examined towards high quality groups with balls excessive and runs in behind them.
Thiago Silva, 38, remains to be the beginning center-back and the captain of the aspect. Silva, who has normally performed in a three-man backline at Chelsea, has had his struggles with tempo and will discover himself focused on the left aspect. Left-back Alex Telles, on mortgage at Sevilla from Manchester United, in current fixtures has moved right into a beginning place within the XI and is an attacking fullback. Telles discovered it exhausting to interrupt into the United aspect and has had issues defensively.
Marquinhos will likely be Silva’s center-back companion with Eder Militao, who performs as a central defender for Actual Madrid, in its place. With an ageing defensive unit, Tite may use Militao to fill in as a right-back to supply solidity and inject some tempo within the backline. Danilo and Dani Alves are the recognised right-backs within the squad. Danilo may seemingly be the beginning right-back, whereas Alves, 39, may discover it exhausting to get a glance in.
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Whereas Tite has extra forward-thinking central midfielders in Bruno Guimaraes, who’s Newcastle United’s talisman in its Premier League success, and Lucas Paqueta, the pairing of Casemiro and Fred would be the most popular midfield two in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Casemiro and Fred have been a powerful midfield two for Brazil within the final yr with the pair providing safety to their backline and permitting their attackers to flourish. Casemiro is a pure sitting defensive defend, whereas Fred performs the proper foil together with his power and runs as a box-to-box midfielder. The duo can also be membership teammates at Manchester United which is able to add to their understanding of their roles.
Fabinho, who hasn’t been at his greatest at Liverpool this yr, would be the second-choice defensive midfielder. Bruno, Paqueta and Everton Ribeiro are versatile midfielders, who may fill in a number of roles in each midfield and as attacking choices.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar, who has scored 15 objectives and registered 11 assists in France, will likely be an everyday fixture within the XI, and Tite can have a wealth of choices to select from to mess around him in assault. Neymar can play throughout the entrance line however he’s greatest utilised as a left winger or within the No. 10 function.
Barcelona’s Raphinha has been the popular proper winger with Antony being one other related profile attacker on the fitting aspect. Vinicius Jr., who’s evolving into one of many feared attackers in Europe, should begin for Brazil on the left aspect. Gabriel Martinelli has been pivotal on the left for Arsenal and his direct runs may be known as upon from the bench.
Within the striker’s function, ahead Richarlison has bought the nod in current occasions, whereas Gabriel Jesus, whose objectives have dried up at Arsenal, possesses the nous and work charge to convey the very best out of Brazil’s aptitude gamers. Rodrygo has proved he’s a helpful possibility off the bench together with his Champions League exploits for Actual Madrid final yr. Flamengo’s Pedro has aerial power to offer an alternate hanging possibility. The 25-year-old was the top-scorer in Flamengo’s Copa Libertadores win this season.
