Brazil have bigger problems than João Pedro’s omission | OneFootball

Brazil’s World Cup squad announcement couldn’t have been more dramatic. Outside in, the build-up was an over the top production that eventually saw Carlo Ancelotti take to the stage to announce his 26-man squad. The Italian, who didn’t appear to relish the theatrical nature of the event, knew all alone he’d only be adding fuel to the fire when he didn’t read out João Pedro’s name. 

Instead, Neymar’s was, as their all-time top goalscorer returns to the national team for the first time since October 2023.

Fans were certainly divided. João Pedro scored 15 Premier League goals for Chelsea this campaign, and although performances in a Brazilian shirt hadn’t been at the same level, the 24-year-old looked like a shoe in just two months ago.

Neymar, now 34, hasn’t set the world alight since returning to his boyhood club last year. Injuries have continued to halt his return to full fitness, although his goals towards the end of last campaign helped save Santos’ blushes and avoid a second relegation in just three years.

But the debate between Neymar and João Pedro stole too much of the spotlight.

Hiding Other Issues in Defense

Whether both or neither were included within Ancelotti’s 26-man squad, there were other names included that certainly should have been discussed further.

Fortunately, Liverpool’s Alisson has returned to full fitness and will start between the sticks. However, the inclusion of Ederson and – in particular – Weverton saw plenty of locals roll their eyes. 

At the age of 38, Gremio’s goalkeeper has experience on his side but performances have been poor since his move from Palmeiras. Corinthians’ Hugo Souza, known for his penalty saving ability, should have been the third choice if and when called upon. Weverton will no doubt sit and watch from the sidelines all summer. A pointless call up.

Flamengo have four representatives within this squad – more than any other club. And while Ancelotti wanted to call upon Leo Pereira as a back-up left-footed centre-back, Danilo’s and Alex Sandro’s inclusions made little to no sense. Both haven’t performed to a good standard domestically this season, and Sandro, now 35, should be much further down the pecking order rather than one of the first names confirmed.

Bahia’s Luciano Juba (26) has scored seven goals from left-back this campaign, while Cruzeiro’s Kaiki (23) has been sought after by European clubs for his performances over the last 12 months. Both are seen as the future for the national team, yet neither were given a chance.

Many Midfield Question Marks

Another bizarre decision was to only call up five out-and-out midfielders. Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães and Man United’s Casemiro will start, while Botafogo’s Danilo has earned his place after tremendous performances back in Brazil.

Yet the inclusion of 34-year-old Fabinho – seen as a like-for-like replacement when Casemiro doesn’t feature – raised eyebrows. If Brazil is going to field four attackers in Ancelotti’s 4-2-4 preferred formation, the lack of pace in the middle of the park could easily be caught out.

Perhaps options were limited with both Andre and João Gomes failing to impress at Wolves this season, but if Brazil are building towards the 2030 World Cup, perhaps calling up Corinthians’ Breno Bidon as a “wildcard” option would have been a smarter move.

Lucas Paquetà was another name that divided opinion. His big money move back to Brazil attracted media attention from across the world but his performances haven’t suggested his place was earned fairly. Cruzeiro’s Matheus Pereira has arguably been Brazil’s best no.10 over the past 18 months; his name was never mentioned.

Up front, there are, of course, plenty of exciting options. Endrick, Rayan and Igor Thiago will bring their own qualities, while Raphinha and Vinícius Juníor will be expected to carry the load this summer.

Outlook Appears Dim

However, it’s all well and good having attacking options, but Brazil’s full-backs and lack of options in midfield means they head to the World Cup with one of the worst squads we have seen in quite some time.

Expectations will be high amongst Brazilians, but those could swiftly change after their opening round clash against Morocco in New Jersey.