Ancelotti names youthful 26-man Brazil squad for Japan and Singapore friendlies, with five first-time call-ups
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has named a 26-man squad for two FIFA friendlies against Japan and Singapore. The squad was announced at the headquarters of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in Rio de Janeiro. Six players from Brazil's domestic league have made the squad.
As part of a rebuilding process, Ancelotti has placed his trust in inexperienced and young footballers. Five new players have received a first call-up to the national team: Cruzeiro defender Jonathan Jesus, Corinthians midfielder Andre Luis, Manchester City forward Alan, and Shakhtar Donetsk pair Marlon Gomes and Alisson Santana.
Speaking about the newcomers at a news conference, Ancelotti said every player has his own special qualities. Jonathan Jesus is a very strong, dynamic and intelligent defender, while Marlon Gomes is extremely fast. He said this is the right time to get to know them and learn from them.
Brazil will face Japan at Singapore National Stadium on 14 November at 4:15 pm Bangladesh time. Three days later, on 17 November at 7 am, the five-time world champions will play hosts Singapore.
Surprisingly, no footballer from Flamengo or Palmeiras, the two clubs locked in a fierce title race in the Brazilian league, the Brasileirao, has been included in the squad.
CBF director of national teams Rodrigo Caetano said the Brasileirao is one of CBF's own main tournaments, and their main aim was to balance the interests of the national team with the clubs' league title fight. That is why they decided not to call anyone from the two main title rivals, and to take at most one player from each of the other domestic clubs.
The goalkeepers in the squad are Bento (Al-Nassr), Lucas Perri (Torino) and Pedro Morisco (Coritiba). The defenders are Arthur Dias, Carlos Augusto, Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jair Cunha, Jonathan Jesus, Vanderson, Vitor Reis and Wesley.
In midfield, Andre Luis, Andre Santos, Bruno Guimaraes, Danilo, Gabriel Bontempo, Joao Gomes and Marlon Gomes have been called up. The forwards are Alisson Santana, Alan, Endrick, Estevao, Raphinha, Rayan and Vinicius Junior.
