Léo Pereira earns first Brazil call-up after Flamengo backing | OneFootball

Léo Pereira has received his first senior Brazil call-up, named by Carlo Ancelotti after a strong push inside Flamengo in recent months.

According to Globo.com, the 30-year-old has become a mainstay at Flamengo and previously featured for Brazil at under-17 and under-20 level. He was the only member of last year's title-winning starting defence yet to be selected, until now.

Last year Pereira described it as the best spell of his career physically, tactically and mentally. He said he respected the choices made but questioned why his own chance had not arrived, adding he would keep working, could only control his daily standards and performances, and that maybe one day he would be there.

Team-mates publicly backed him. Centre-back Léo Ortiz argued Pereira had been underrated, one of the leading defenders in Brazilian football for years, and said a call-up would be a fair reward for his consistency and commitment.

Former Flamengo coach Filipe Luís went further, calling Pereira the best centre-back in Brazil at that moment, while also noting that fewer international call-ups could benefit the club and that competition within the squad raised levels.

Brazil’s March programme features two friendlies in the United States, France on 26 in Boston and Croatia on 31 in Orlando. Ancelotti also named Danilo and Alex Sandro.

Source: Globo.com