Roger Sterling
JF-Expert Member
- May 10, 2015
- 13,010
- 23,656

"Luiz Gustavo (27): One of Brazils most consistent performers over the past 2 years, ever since he got his chance by Scolari in the friendly against England which ended 2-2, in Brazil. Luiz had to miss the German cup final with his club Bayern, in order to play a friendly for his country. Who would have thought that this would be the opportunity for him to become an absolute starter? Now as we look back at what happened in the past, it is crazy to think that Mano Menezes did not consider selecting Gustavo."

"Danilo (23): Already one of the best at his position in Europe this season, voted Portos best player last season, the former Santista will be looking to add more international silverware after having won the Libertadores and the World Cup under 20, in 2011. He is already linked to the biggest clubs in Europe, and has managed to establish himself as a starter in Dungas team. His most notable performance came against Argentina, when he showed a lot of maturity and was able to neutralize an in form Di Maria. Dunga went on to label him as the new Maicon, calling him a force of nature when he makes his long runs". A Real Madrid player already

"Marquinhos (20): Regarded as one of the best 3 young defenders in the world, the PSG center back has managed to higher his status this season, by putting very convincing performances against the deadly attack of Barcelona, as well as the very strong Chelsea side, where he dealt with many some of the best forwards around, from Neymar and Messi, to Diego Costa and Hazard. When handed his chance with Dunga, as in the game against Ecuador for example, where he was a starter, Marquinhos was convincing and proved to be worthy of more extra minutes. He, just like Wallace, could be the future of Brazils central defense for years to come."

"Fabinho (21): The Monaco right back has been putting some very convincing performances and is part of the best defense between all the Champions League sides who qualified for the round of 16, as Monaco have only conceded 5 goals in the competition, so far. It is time to hand him a chance. Tall, strong, solid defensively, tends to make long runs, Fabinho fits in Dungas profile. Thiago Silva (30): What can you say about him? He had a bad time in 2014, but in 2015, even the French press which criticized him 24/7 for weeks, now agrees that O Monstro is back to his best. And at his best, Thiago Silva is simply the best at what he does. He makes any team better."

"Coutinho (22): Imposed himself as arguably Liverpools best player, as well as one of the Premier Leagues stars this season, many Brazil followers are already asking for him to be a starter in the team, after having been ignored at the World Cup. Philippe is there to remind everyone with his flair, about how old Brazilian football used to be. He is indeed beautiful to watch. Brazil is so popular not because it has won 5 World Cups, as much as it is so for the entertaining football that it has offered throughout the years."

"Willian (26): Ignored a starting spot in the World Cup, the Chelsea winger has proved to be one of the best performers for Brazil, ever since Dunga took charge. His best 2 performances came in the win against Argentina, where he toyed their defense on the right flank, and in the 4-0 against Turkey, where he scored his second goal under Dungas spell. His first one was the winner against Ecuador, after a brilliant play by Oscar and Neymar."
The Porto website describes Alex Sandroas "a full-back with an attacking bent". The 24-year-old is in the same mould as Danilo and Marcelo, and has good ball skills, dribbles well and makes more of a contribution to the attack than to the defence.
Sandrois a full Brazil international, though he has not been selected for this summer's Copa América, as Dunga has preferredMarcelo and Filipe Luísto him; in fact it was an injury to Alex which opened the door for Marcelo to be recalled last August. He has won a total of six senior caps and was also outstanding at theLondon Olympics in 2012, when Brazil won the silver medal.
He signed for Porto at the same time as Danilo, from Santos, who were champions of the Copa Libertadores, but Real Madrid's new player didn't actually join the side till January so he could take part in the Club World Cup. Porto paid Santos
Read more:Real Madrid: "A full-back with an attacking bent" - MARCA.com (English version)



