A packed Brazil national team line-up, but not enough to go around. Which stars will remain on the bench?

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is fast approaching and one of the favourites will be Brazil, who have a very full squad. In some positions coach Tite has little choice, in others he has too much competition. Who will he have to choose between?

Ederson vs Alisson

There is a big dispute right in front of goal. Both Ederson (Manchester City) and Alisson (Liverpool) are captaining the best teams in the Premier League, maybe in the world. Both are among the best goalkeepers in the world, each has something, Ederson excels especially in footwork.

He also has the edge over his partner in titles, with the Citizens crushing Liverpool in recent years. However, Alisson is more of a number one in the national team, although they were fairly interchanged in goal in qualifying (8-5). Last year at the Copa America they also switched, with Alisson catching the first two games, and Ederson catching the remaining four games until the final.

Tip: It will depend on current form, but Tite prefers to bet on Alisson.

Thiago Silva vs Marquinhos vs Eder Militao

Another big fight will be fought at stopper. There are three very good stoppers for two spots. One representative of the older generation (36 years old), Marquinhos at the ideal age (28) and the third hungry wolf (24).

Tete is likely to bet on the Thiago Silva – Marquinhos pairing, which is also lined up from PSG, but the Real Madrid defender will wait for any drop in form or injuries to the more experienced stoppers.

Moreover, there is a possibility that Militao will start at right-back, almost the weakest position in Brazil. Tete has only 31-year-old Dani Alves available here, he has not nominated 39-year-old Dani Alves for the September meeting, but he should go to Qatar.

Tip: Thiago Silva – Marquinhos

Fred vs Bruno Guimarães

Casemiro is the first obvious choice for the central midfielder position. Lucas Paquetá, whom Tite likes a lot, has made a loud claim for the holding midfielder position with his performances. That leaves the so-called “eight” to be filled.

Two Premier League midfielders, Fred and Bruno Guimarães, are fighting it out. Although the Manchester United midfielder is quite critical, Tite believes in him and has put him in the Copa America final. The Newcastle midfielder, on the other hand, is a representative of Brazil’s emerging generation, who is making a case for the basics with his performances in the Premier League and the Canaries’ national team.

Tip: Here again, it will depend on the current form, the coach can even rotate both depending on the opponent, but Tite is betting heavily on Fred.

Antony vs Raphinha vs Rodrygo

Let’s move on to the attack, the most valuable thing Brazil has to offer. With so many wingers, Neymar often shifts to the role of a spike striker and his place in the starting lineup is virtually assured. Vinícius Junior has made incredible strides over the last year and should be assured of a spot at left wing.

That’s why we have a battle of three wingers on the right side. Antony, Raphinha, Rodrygo or Manchester United, Barcelona, Real Madrid. Tite is picking from players truly from elite company and probably won’t miss out on any opportunity.

Rodrygo probably has the least chance, it’s just that at the start of the season so far he looks like he’s having a breakthrough season like Vinicius did last year and is putting in great performances. Plus, Tite likes him quite a bit and has another two months to ask for a foundation.

Tip: Otherwise, it will probably be a duel between Antony and Raphinha, the Barcelona footballer should have the upper hand.

Gabriel Jesus vs Richarlison vs Robert Firmino

If Tite decides to play with the classic nine after all, he also has a very decent selection. Although Gabriel Jesus is not in the September nomination, he should not be missing in Qatar.

Tite, because of the great wingers, and also to get Neymar and Vinicius into the game, will probably choose to play without a pure nine, however, in case of an injury to a star or a change of style, he will have to pick someone.

Richarlison is doing quite well in a Brazil jersey, scoring 6 goals in 8 qualifying games, Firmino is experienced again, Jesus has caught great form at Arsenal. So who will be first on the pitch if necessary?

Tip: Richarlison

What could Brazil’s line-up look like?

Alisson
D. Alves – T. Silva – Marquinhos – A. Sandro
Casemiro – Fred
Paquetá
Raphinha – Neymar – Vinícius

Second option

Ederson
Danilo – Militao – Marquinhos – A. Sandro
Antony – Casemiro – Guimarães – Vinícius
Neymar – Richarlison

Source: Seleção, Goal