Brazil, the heavy favorites to win this year’s tournament, have announced their squad for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Unsurprisingly, the 26-name contingent features some of the best and most famous talent in the world. Indeed, there are many similarities to the team that reached the Copa America final in 2021. Plus, there are select players still plying their trade in the Brazilian top flight. However, 23 of the 26 names represent clubs outside of Brazil. In addition, there is a player who plays in Liga MX, a veteran of the national team.
So, this is how the roster for the Seleção shakes out.
GOALKEEPERS
Ederson (Manchester City), Alisson (Liverpool), Weverton (Palmeiras).
DEFENDERS
Danilo (Juventus), Dani Alves (Pumas UNAM), Alex Sandro (Juventus), Alex Telles (Sevilla), Thiago Silva (Chelsea), Marquinhos (PSG), Eder Militão (Real Madrid), Bremer (Juventus).
MIDFIELDERS
Casemiro (Manchester United), Fabinho (Liverpool), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United), Fred (Manchester United), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham United), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo).
FORWARD
Neymar (PSG), Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid), Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal), Antony (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Pedro ( Flemish).
Brazil World Cup squad
Breaking it down from back to front, Brazil’s World Cup squad is perhaps deeper than any other side. Goalkeepers Alisson and Ederson of Liverpool and Manchester City, respectively, are two of the elites in world football. Also, Weverton was in goal when Brazil won their Olympic gold medal on penalties.
Dani Alves and Thiago Silva bring experience, while a player like Bremer brings youth to Brazil’s back line. This is a decent mix of the two. However, with three Juventus players on the roster, the form could be a cause for concern at the World Cup.
Brazil’s midfield is dominated by the Premier League. Casemiro and Fabinho are two elites in their position, while Fred and Bruno Guimarães bring something different to the fold. In addition, Everton Ribeiro is a familiar name for those who follow the Copa Libertadores. The midfielder from Brazil was nominated for the Team of the Tournament in the 2022 campaign, only as a defender.
Pedro, another Flamengo player on the Brazil national team, was named in the Copa Libertadores Team of the Tournament as the competition’s top scorer with 12 goals. However, he faces the tough challenge of performing with Richarlison to get him back into shape before the tournament. Other players, namely Vinicius and Neymar, will surely be higher up the pecking order than Tite.
Brazil kicks off its World Cup on Thursday, November 24 against Serbia.
PHOTO: IMAGO / nogueirafoto
World Cup 2022 Guide
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