Brazil are undoubtedly one of the highly rated sides going into the world. Their team is filled with a top class talents across all positions. The samba boys can be considered amongst the elite to lift the trophy this summer.
However, this side is almost a completely different one compared to the one in 2014. Neymar Jr will once again be the footballer that the world will watch closely in the mega event. He was out injured since Fenruary and only recently became fit just in time for the World Cup.
Although a completely new side, the Brazil national team is not shortage of talent even on bench. Let us a close look at the Brazil’s 23 man squad.
Defense
In Alisson, Brazil has the most in form goalkeeper in the world. He has proven his worth with AS Roma all through the season and could make huge difference for Brazil. On the other hand, they also have Manchester City’s Ederson as an able backup.
Real Madrid’s Marcelo continued his dream form in Champions League last season and will start at left back. On the other side, it would most likely be Danilo who can play on both the wings. Paris Saint Germain’s Thiago Silva and Marquinhos are set to be the center back pair for Brazil.
They have also top backups in Filipe Luis and Miranda which is top quality on bench. All in all, they have a strong defense.
Midfield
Seleção has plenty of midfield options as well. Real Madrid’s top talent Casmeiro and Fernandinho are expected to start as the midfield pivot. Both the midfielders are very strong tacklers and provides much needed stability for the attack.
On the other hand, Philippe Coutinho will be the creative outlet playing in the centre of the park. The midfield has plenty of quality backups as well. If the manager thinks to go more offensive, he has Paulinho and Renato Augusto on the bench.
They have very good midfield may be only next to Germany. However, it remains to be seen how they will perform in the world cup.
Attack
Neymar Jr. is back and so is Brazil’s attack. The Paris Saint Germain’s forward was out for almost three months and now back fit. Meanwhile, Douglas Costa has been in rollicking form for Juventus in his first year at Turin.
The Brazilian impressed so well that the Italian champions signed him on a permanent deal. On the other side, Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino just played their best season for Manchester City and Liverpool respectively.
Willian also could play a role as a late substitute or provide more width on the pitch if the situation demands. The team is very well round in final third and could just get the coveted trophy that evaded them four years ago at home.
Brazil Squad for World Cup 2018
Goalkeepers: Alisason (Roma), Ederson (Manchester City), Cassio (Corinthians).
Defenders: Danilo (Manchester City), Fagner (Corinthians), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Silva, Marquinhos (both PSG), Miranda (Inter Milan), Pedro Geromel (Gremio).
Midfielders: Casemiro (Real Madrid), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Paulinho (Barcelona), Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk), Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona), Willian (Chelsea), Douglas Costa (Juventus).
Forward: Neymar (PSG), Taison (Shakhtar Donetsk), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool).