Manchester United Fred was the surprise name as Tite named his latest 24-man Brazil squad for the upcoming qualifiers, with games against Ecuador and Paraguay.
Fred makes a return to the squad after missing out since 2018. He last featured for Brazil in a 2-0 friendly win over Saudi Arabia back in 2018. However, the midfielder has been a regular for Manchester United this term and Tite credited the selection for the 28-year-old’s top performances for the Red Devils.
Other notable additions include four of the players who ply their trade in the Brazilian Championship. Flamengo duo Gabriel Barbosa and Ribeiro, Sao Paulo’s Dani Alves and Palmeiras goalie Weverton were all given the nod.
Elsewhere, Benfica centre-back Lucas Verissimo was handed his first international call-up.
As expected, Neymar will lead the attack for Brazil and would hope to inspire his side to glory. The PSG superstar recently won the Samba Gold award as well.
Speaking on the expectations from Neymar, Tite said: “Neymar is going to have the creative freedom for a player that is the bow and arrow, the creator and finisher. We want to maximise within the structure of the team all of his talent. He is going to play just as he has been playing for the national team, the same way he is playing for PSG.”
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Weverton (Palmeiras), Ederson (Manchester City)
Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Dani Alves (Sao Paolo), Renan Lodi (Atletico Madrid), Alex Sandro(Juventus), Lucas Verissimo (Benfica), Thiago Silva (Chelsea), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Militao (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Casemiro (Real Madrid), Paqueta (Lyon), Fabinho (Liverpool), Fred (Manchester United), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Ribeiro (Flamengo)
Forwards: Richarlison (Everton), Firmino (Liverpool), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), Neymar (PSG), Gabriel Barbosa (Flamengo), Everton Cebolinha (Benfica), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
