The Selecao's World Cup preparations have taken a cruel twist. Right back Wesley is out of the tournament, felled by a thigh injury that has robbed Br...
The Selecao's World Cup preparations have taken a cruel twist. Right back Wesley is out of the tournament, felled by a thigh injury that has robbed Brazil of a dynamic outlet on the flank. It is a savage blow for the player and a genuine headache for the coaching staff, who now must reconfigure their defensive stocks without a recognised deputy in that specific role.Enter Ederson. The Manchester United bound midfielder, whose relentless engine and eye for a pass have marked him out as one of the brightest prospects in the domestic game, gets the call. This is not a like for like swap. It is a statement of intent. By selecting Ederson, Brazil are signalling a shift in tactical shape, perhaps moving to a three man midfield block that offers greater protection to the back four while allowing their forwards to roam more freely.Let's not kid ourselves. This is a gamble. Wesley offered natural width and overlapping thrust, a vital component in breaking down stubborn low blocks. Ederson is a different beast entirely. He is a player who thrives in transitional play, breaking up opposition moves and launching quick counters. His inclusion suggests Brazil are preparing for a tournament where they will dominate possession and need a holder who can recycle the ball with intelligence and break up counterattacks before they start.Can a midfield of Ederson, Casemiro and Paqueta really function without that natural wide defender It is a question that will occupy the back pages for the next fortnight. The answer, of course, lies in the flexibility of the system. If the full backs can tuck in and the wide forwards can track back, this could actually be a more robust unit. But if the balance is off, Brazil could find themselves exposed in the wide areas against the first sharp winger they face.One thing is certain. Tite has made a bold call. He has backed a player who is not even a Manchester United player yet, a midfielder who has never started a World Cup game, to be the missing piece. That is either inspired management or a wild punt. The pitch will deliver the verdict.
