Zico rues Pedro missing World Cup, blames Gerson for Brazil snub | OneFootball

Pedro and Gerson were left off Brazil’s World Cup squad list

Brazil’s World Cup squad has been announced, but Zico spotted two omissions in Carlo Ancelotti’s selections. That’s because the Flamengo idol pointed to Pedro as Brazil’s best striker, while Gerson would be in the World Cup if he had stayed at Mengo.

— If Gerson had stayed at Flamengo, I have no doubt he could be a starter for Brazil today. I think Pedro is the best striker we have in Brazil. I expected to see him on this list — Zico told ESPN (pay TV channel).

Why did Zico want Pedro in the World Cup?

Mengo’s number 9 has scored 17 goals in 26 matches and is currently the top scorer in Brazil’s top flight. However, Ancelotti did not call him up during the pre-World Cup cycle and instead chose, for example, Igor Thiago, a striker who is in the running for a Premier League breakout player award.

How would Gerson have been a Brazil starter if he had stayed at Flamengo?

The midfielder wore the captain’s armband for Mengo and was an undisputed starter for Brazil, but he decided to move to Zenit (Russia). As a result, the player stopped being called up during his six months playing in Russian football.

As a way of getting back on Ancelotti’s radar, the midfielder decided to return to Brazilian football. By then, however, the Italian had already found new options for Brazil’s midfield, and the national team will have four Flamengo players at the World Cup.

Which Flamengo players were called up?

So, Gerson watched Ancelotti name Danilo, Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro and Lucas Paquetá. The Rubro-Negro giants, however, may also have players called up by Uruguay, Ecuador and Colombia.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.