Rio Ferdinand thinks Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes will understand his status with Brazil at the Qatar World Cup and how he is being shown ‘the levels’ by Fred and Casemiro, as he told Vibe with Five.
The former England defender pointed out how Guimaraes is ‘behind’ Manchester United duo Fred and Casemiro in Tite’s plans out in Doha.
He thinks that was proven by the fact that he didn’t start Brazil’s final group game against Cameroon, which for the South American giants, was a dead rubber because they had already qualified to the knockout stages.
Tite made several changes to his XI, including starting Fred in the middle of the park, alongside Liverpool’s defensive brain, Fabinho, with Real Madrid’s versatile star, Rodrygo, playing further forward.
Ferdinand spoke about Guimaraes’s situation and, whilst someone like Fred might not be admired at Old Trafford, he is thriving on the international stage.
“They changed almost their whole team and he still didn’t get into the starting team,” said Ferdinand. “He must know deep down where he is in the pecking order.
“There’s the levels. Casemiro and them guys. And he’s behind Fred. But Fred has been in this squad for so many years now. He isn’t looked at the way he is looked at Man United. He’s an important member of their squad, so Guimaraes is behind these guys.
“I think they all understand where they all are.”
BRAZIL LOOKING TO JOIN THE BIG BOYS
So far, every top nation, or those expected to reach the quarter-finals, have done so.
England demolished Senegal 3-0 last night, whilst Kylian Mbappe-inspired France saw off Poland and Argentina survived a late scare against Australia.
Now it’s Brazil’s turn to put their name into that hat because the speed and all-action style of South Korea awaits them on Monday evening.
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