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This decision has left out some notable talents, including stars from Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham. Here are the top seven players who missed out:
1. Gleison Bremer (Juventus)
Serie A’s Best Defender in the 2021-22 season, Bremer has had an outstanding campaign with Juventus. With 36 matches under his belt, he’s been pivotal in their excellent defensive record, conceding just 28 goals and securing 16 clean sheets. The 27-year-old, who made his Brazil debut in 2022, will be disappointed to miss out.
2. Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
At 39, Silva’s exclusion marks the end of an era. The veteran defender, part of Brazil’s 2019 Copa America-winning squad, recently announced his return to Fluminense. Despite his age, Silva’s experience could still benefit Brazil’s Olympic squad later this summer.
3. Casemiro (Manchester United)
A shock omission given his pedigree, Casemiro has had a tough season with Manchester United. The 32-year-old midfielder, a five-time Champions League winner, has been a mainstay for Brazil in numerous tournaments. Coach Dorival Junior acknowledged Casemiro’s contributions but opted to look towards the future.
4. Joelinton (Newcastle United)
A fan favourite at Newcastle, Joelinton has transformed into a dynamic box-to-box midfielder. His return from a four-month injury layoff came too late for this selection, but his physical presence and versatility would have been assets for Brazil.
5. Matheus Cunha (Wolves)
While not a household name, Cunha’s performance this season has been impressive. With 12 goals and seven assists, he boasts the most direct goal contributions of any Brazilian in Europe’s top leagues, aside from Vinicius Junior. His exclusion is surprising given these stats.
6. Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur)
Richarlison, Brazil’s No.9 at the 2022 World Cup, has a modest Premier League record but has often delivered for the national team. Known for his passion and understanding of the Selecao’s demands, his absence is notable considering his two-goal performance against Serbia in the World Cup.
7. Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
Once a key player for Brazil, Jesus has seen his role diminish. His lack of regular starts for Arsenal post-Christmas likely influenced Dorival Junior’s decision. Despite this, Jesus remains a top-tier forward capable of making significant impacts when fit and in form.
These omissions highlight the depth of talent available to Brazil, as they aim for success in the upcoming Copa America.
