CONMEBOL allowed the registration of three more players per national team for the upcoming 2024 Copa América, which enabled Dorival Júnior to complete Brazil’s roster. In addition to those originally called up, Bremer (Juventus), Éderson (Atalanta), and Pepê (Porto) were added, as well as Rafael (São Paulo) to replace the injured Ederson (Manchester City).
“All the players, regardless of when they are called up, arrive on an equal footing to compete and fight for a place in the starting lineup,” the coach said when officially announcing the new list.
The 26 players called up will start arriving on May 30 in Orlando, the Florida city chosen as the base during the continental tournament and the preparatory matches to be played in the United States. The training sessions are scheduled to begin on June 3.
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The final list can be submitted up to June 15, after the friendlies against Mexico and the United States, and nine days before Brazil’s Copa América debut against Costa Rica. Paraguay and Colombia will be the other opponents in Group D.
Contribution and competition of the new players called up by Brazil
The inclusion of Bremer can bring experience to the squad, with almost six seasons in Serie A in Italy, although a place among the starting eleven seems difficult with the other central defenders called up. Marquinhos (PSG), Beraldo (PSG), Éder Militão (Real Madrid), and Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal) are currently a step or more ahead.
Éderson’s case is different, as while he also has strong competitors for the position like Lucas Paquetá (West Ham) and Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), in recent seasons he has stood out for his ability to break the defensive line and a more aggressive attacking posture. That’s why big European clubs like Juventus and Tottenham are interested in him.
On the other hand, Pepê has similar characteristics to other players called up like Vinicius, Rodrygo, Raphinha, or Sávio, not being a center forward, but rather seeking to attack from a few meters back. The added value is that he knows his teammates called up for the Copa América, Evanilson and Wendell, well, as well as his ability to position himself not only on the wings but also as a creator of play.
The call-up of Rafael is in response, unlike the others, to Ederson’s eye injury that ruled him out of the match in which City were crowned champions, as well as the FA Cup final against Manchester United. This situation leaves Alisson (Liverpool) as a potential starter, although Bento (Athletico Paranaense) performed very well in the recent friendlies and caught the attention of teams like AC Milan and Inter Milan.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the first five episodes available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel. Stay tuned for upcoming releases as we keep telling this legend’s life story.
