5 Campeonato Brasileiro Players Who Could Make Brazil Squad
Brazilian football is heading in the right direction once again after four wins on the bounce under Dunga. More importantly, the boss is succeeding in changing the side's playing philosophy while maintaining momentum.
On a domestic front, there is yet more good news. In the second half of the match against Japan, six of the Selecao players on the pitch were from the Campeonato Brasileiro. Jefferson, Gil, Souza, Kaka, Everton Ribeiro and Robinho are all currently plying their trade in the Brazilian first division.
It is encouraging for the much maligned local league, often the target of stringent criticism. It also notes a drastic change from the last time Dunga took Brazil to a major tournament.
At the 2010 World Cup, the coach took just two domestically based players to South Africa in left-back Gilberto and midfielder Kleberson—yes, that Kleberson—of Manchester United anonymity.
With two more matches before the end of 2014, here are five more names Dunga may consider in the upcoming friendlies against Turkey and Austria.
Position: Central defence
Club: Cruzeiro
Long dubbed as a future rock at the heart of the Selecao defence, Dede is a potential substitute for captain Thiago Silva once No. 3 decides to hang up his boots—internationally, at least.
Built like the proverbial brick wall, the former Vasco idol is a large part of the reason Cruzeiro romped to last year's Brasileiro crown and look odds-on to repeat the feat this season.
Dominant in the air and quick over the ground, he has been known to let himself down through lapses of concentration and eagerness to surge forward.
If he can keep his wits about him and help guide the Minas club to a second consecutive league crown, Dunga may come knocking before the year is out.
Position: Central midfield
Club: Botafogo
2014 has not been kind to this grand Rio club. However, one player who has stood out in their battle to retain their top-flight status is Gabriel.
Accomplished in the tackle, the midfielder is a solid anchor who is also capable of getting forward if and when needed. He has also shown leadership qualities, having been awarded the captain's armband in the absence of Brazil goalkeeper Jefferson.
Capable of deputising at right-back as well, Gabriel's flexibility could see him become a valuable squad member at future tournaments.
Position: Attacking midfield
Club: Corinthians
His time at the Paulista club has been blighted by injury, but the Corinthians playmaker is one of the most imaginative players around when fit. He has managed just 18 appearances this calendar year, per ESPN.
Should he be able to play for a prolonged period of time, he can be a potent weapon.
Patrolling and blurring the lines between midfield and attack, his intelligent running makes the 26-year-old a nightmare to mark. Add into the mix an uncanny eye for spotting a killer pass, and Augusto can be a dangerous prospect when given the freedom to move at will among a roving attack.
The way Dunga is now shaping the Selecao could get the best out of the Corinthians front man.
Position: Attacking midfield
Club: Sao Paulo
The footballer formerly hailed as the future of the Brazilian team, Ganso has seen the likes of Oscar and now Everton Ribeiro surge ahead in the race for the No. 10 role in the national side.
His international reputation took an enormous blow at the 2011 Copa America and the London Olympic Games the following year, but the 25-year-old is now rebuilding his career at the Estadio Morumbi.
He has been an integral part of the Sao Paulo side this season, weighing in with some vital goals and rediscovering his deft touch that led Neymar to compare him to Zinedine Zidane.
If his form continues, another chance in that famous yellow shirt must be just around the corner.
Position: Forward
Club: Sao Paulo
Another player rebuilding a hugely promising career with the Tricolor Paulista, Pato's huge advantage is his versatility across the attack.
Capable of leading the line or dropping further back, as he did when given rare chances under Luiz Felipe Scolari, his pace and deft finishing ability are slowly returning.
The striker has found the back of the net 11 times during his time with Sao Paulo, per WhoScored, and his offensive prowess could be a massive incentive for Dunga to give the 25-year-old yet another chance at international level.
