Danilo plays down Brazil spot, open to any midfield role: “Confident” | OneFootball

Danilo, a midfielder for Botafogo, impressed Ancelotti in the match against France and could be among the starters for the Brazilian National Team in the friendly against Croatia. The player, who is experiencing his second call-up, played down the possibility of starting and said he is available to play in any midfield position.

“There was some rotation in training, but no one knows the lineup yet, only tomorrow or on Tuesday, when the coach decides. But if needed, I’m ready to come in and do my best. I feel comfortable. I think in the three midfield positions: holding midfielder, second midfielder, or number 10, I’m confident,” he began.

“At Botafogo, I’ve kind of been playing that role with Anselmi, Botafogo’s former coach. I prepared well with him in preseason. There’s Bruno, Andrey. We have good midfielders. But I usually play box-to-box at Botafogo and I’m ready to play as a second midfielder,” he continued.

Working “like family”

At Botafogo, Danilo worked with Davide Ancelotti, Carlo Ancelotti’s son. Before taking charge of the Rio de Janeiro club, Davide was part of his father’s coaching staff with the Brazilian National Team and returned to the role after leaving Glorioso. He was at the club for 32 matches in 2025.

“It’s been a privilege. I worked with Davide at Botafogo and now I’m with his father (Carlo Ancelotti). They both have the same approach to work. I’m very happy and now gaining even more experience with Ancelotti. I started with Davide last year. Everyone says he played a part in my being called up, but I think it’s also because of what I’ve been doing at Botafogo. I’m the team’s second-leading scorer, even though our form hasn’t been good. Besides working with him, my role on the field, in everyday training, helped a lot in getting me here today,” he said.

Childhood dream and exchange with a “role model”

Danilo said he is living out a childhood dream at the Brazilian National Team camp on the eve of the World Cup. The midfielder also revealed that Casemiro is one of his role models and said he has been receiving advice from the experienced player.

“It’s a childhood dream. I’m fulfilling a dream of representing all Brazilians. I always dreamed of playing for the national team, and today I’m able to make that happen. It’s very rewarding for me to be here,” he said.

“Casemiro is a role model. Since my first call-up, he has spoken with me, given me some tips, and now I’m able to learn even more from him every day. In terms of movement, playing forward passes. I’m very happy to be working alongside him again,” he concluded.

Brazilian National Team’s next match

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