Does Brazil’s Attacking Future Rest in England? | OneFootball

Ahead of Brazil’s tantalizing World Cup opener against Morocco in New Jersey on June 12th, all eyes will be turning to London and Manchester in the UK. For it is there, and in the remaining Premier League fixtures, that the fate of the Seleção’s front line might rest.

In an incredibly packed field of forwards, competition to make Carlo Ancelotti’s final squad is the fiercest it’s been for years.

Guaranteed a spot up top is Real’s Vinícius Jr., and Neymar is being given every chance to get himself fit. But the battle to play alongside or behind them is heating up fast. With Real Madrid’s Rodrygo ruled out of the World Cup with an ACL injury, the focus is now very much on players in England. Half of the front players named in Ancelotti’s squad for the friendlies against France and Croatia are based in England, with more knocking on the door.

Thiago stakes his claim

The most intriguing name in there is Igor Thiago. The Brentford forward just received his first call up on the back of a highly impressive Premier League season. He has already scored 19 goals, making him the league’s second top scorer behind Erling Haaland. He beamed with pleasure when he was introduced against France on Thursday on 71 minutes, a game Brazil lost 2-1.

Thiago has burst onto the Premier League scene this season and run riot against some of the league’s best defences, scoring against Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea. Big, powerful and a number 9 who likes to run in behind, he brings something very different to the other Brazil forwards, who are more ball players who can drop in and link play or play out wide. Thiago’s strength, skill and pace has brought comparisons with Ronaldo and Thierry Henry from his former coach, Bruno Saymon.

Yet his biggest strength might also be his biggest weakness. He requires a team to play a certain way to get the best out of him, and Brazil don’t play like Brentford (a phrase I never thought I’d write). The Bees base much of their game on a quick transition and moving the ball forward at the earliest opportunity, giving Thiago space to run into, while opposition teams against Brazil will likely sit in a low block, squeezing the space. That said, there were signs against France of trying to turn the defence round wherever possible with early balls. Even if not a starter, Thiago is an outstanding option off the bench.

Cunha impresses under Carrick

Matheus Cunha didn’t make the best start at Manchester United following his move from Wolves in the summer. However, he has been rejuvenated under the management of Michael Carrick, who replaced the sacked Ruben Amorim in January.

He’s enjoying his football again and is contributing strongly to extraordinary turnaround at Old Trafford with goals. Much of that might be because he’s now in his favored position out wide, allowing him to run from depth and width at his opponents’ defense. If Ancelotti wants momentum and form, both Cunha and Thiago should be high on his list.

London calling

Then there are Chelsea pair João Pedro, who is back in goalscoring form, and Estévão, who misses out on the current friendlies through injury.

Pedro has 14 goals this season, putting him fourth in Premier League charts, and he has carried Chelsea’s attack in an inconsistent season. Estévão has been in and out at Stamford Bridge but nonetheless has managed seven goals. His talent is undoubted and Ancellotti is a big fan.

Across North London, Richarlison has been doing his best of late to rescue a wretched season for Tottenham, who are deep in a relegation dogfight to avoid spending next season in the Championship. Having recently returned from a hamstring injury, he scored in a draw with Liverpool and is giving Spurs some hope with his performances.

He spent time under Ancellotti at Everton, and his former club manager will be hoping he can build his fitness and have a strong end to the season. Like Thiago, Richarlison is strong in the air and while hardly prolific in front of goal, has a strong workrate and can score in key moments. While he isn’t in the friendlies squad, 20 goals in 50 international appearances means he can be strongly considered and trusted off the bench when it comes to the final cut.

Arsenal look set to win the Premier League, which will boost Gabriel Martinelli’s chances. The striker started against France.

Igor Jesus’s summer move to Nottingham Forest has been of limited success, and it looks like his chances have gone.

The future’s bright

The Bournemouth winger Rayan has made a positive impact since his arrival in the Premier League in January, and has rightly earned his first call up for the France and Croatia games. But he has a crowded pack to get through and, at only 19 years old, may well be considered one for the future.

Ancelloti might have his problems in defence, but up top he has riches most managers can only dream of. Some great players will miss the cut. With only seven games left of the Premier League season, the battle for Brazil is set for a thrilling finale.