Tite has announced his Brazil squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. But he left out a host of Premier League stars like Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal.
A dozen players who ply their trade in England’s top-flight will fly to the Middle East with the Selecao this month. Tite chose 12 players from the division for this 26-man squad. His picks also cover every area of the pitch with goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards.
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Yet a number of potential World Cup stars from the Premier League will watch Brazil on TV this winter. So, HITC Football has taken a look at the best possible Selecao side from those Tite has left out. Arsenal star Gabriel anchors the defence with Liverpool’s Firmino upfront.
Tite announces Brazil’s World Cup squad without Firmino or Gabriel in the 26
Tite announced Brazil’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar on Monday without Firmino and Gabriel among the 26 chosen. There were places, however, for their Liverpool and Arsenal teammates Alisson Becker and Fabinho plus Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli in the 26.
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras)
Defenders: Dani Alves (Pumas), Alex Telles (Sevilla), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Chelsea), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Danilo, Alex Sandro, Gleison Bremer (Juventus)
Midfielders: Fabinho (Liverpool), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham United), Casemiro, Fred (Manchester United), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo)
Attackers: Jesus, Martinelli (Arsenal), Antony (Manchester United), Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur), Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)
So, what would Brazil’s best XI of the Premier League players Tite left at home look like?
Neto (GK): The Bournemouth star is the only Brazilian goalkeeper Tite left out
AFC Bournemouth star Neto is the only Brazilian goalkeeper playing in the Premier League that Tite did not name in his World Cup squad. The 33-year-old joined the Cherries for free in August after Barcelona sanctioned his exit. He also got his only Brazil cap back in 2018.
Emerson Royal (RB): Tite axed the Tottenham full-back from Brazil’s squad
Tite gave Emerson Royal his Brazil debut in November 2019 and generally included the full-back in his subsequent squads. But the Selecao boss rarely put his faith in the 23-year-old as he only played seven and started three games. He has not made a squad since January.
Lyanco (CB): Failing to hold down a role at Southampton continues to cost him
Lyanco failing to hold down a role at Southampton continues to cost the 25-year-old. He is yet to feature in a senior squad after appearances at U20 level for the Selecao. The centre-half, born in the Brazilian city of Vitoria, is also a Serbian citizen and featured at U19 level.
Gabriel Magalhaes (CB): Tite had indicated he would not name the Arsenal star
Tite had indicated that he would not name Arsenal defender Gabriel in Brazil’s World Cup squad before announcing the 26. The 24-year-old is yet to make his Selecao debut and has only been named in two of their last six squads. He got his first call-up in November 2021.
Renan Lodi (LB): Tite has moved on from the Nottingham Forest full-back
Tite has moved on from Nottingham Forest full-back Renan Lodi in the last few years. The 24-year-old was the Selecao’s first-choice in the role from October 2019 to July 2021. But since starting the Copa America final defeat to Argentina, the 16-cap ace has played once.
Joelinton (CDM): The Newcastle star had earned a spot in Brazil’s World Cup squad
Joelinton arguably earned a spot in Brazil’s 26-man World Cup squad but Tite will not take the Newcastle star to Qatar. The 26-year-old is still waiting to be named in a senior Selecao side since featuring at U17 level as a striker. But he now shines as an all-action midfielder.
Douglas Luiz (CDM): Tite has now not looked to the Aston Villa star in a year
Tite has now not looked at Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz for a year. The 24-year-old was a regular part of the Selecao set-up from November 2019 to October 2021 with five starts over nine caps. But only one of his opening calls had come since the end of 2020.
Lucas Moura (RM): The Tottenham star has not represented his country since 2018
Tottenham winger Lucas Moura has now not represented his country in four years. He last turned out for Brazil in October 2018 for one of his 27 appearances as a substitute. The 30-year-old only started the game for eight of his 35 caps with four goals and six assists so far.
Philippe Coutinho (CAM): Falling out of form at Aston Villa has come at a cost
Philippe Coutinho falling out of form at Aston Villa has come at a cost for the 69-cap Brazil maestro. Tite had recalled the playmaker for his January, March and June squads this year. But the 30-year-old is not Qatar-bound after not scoring or assisting a league hit this term.
Willian (LM): The Fulham forward saw his Brazil career end in November 2019
Fulham forward Willian saw his Brazil career end in November 2019 after earning 70 caps in eight years. The 34-year-old offered the Selecao nine goals and 15 assists in his outings. But he only assisted one goal and failed to score in 10 appearances over two World Cups.
Roberto Firmino (ST): Tite may regret not taking the Liverpool star to the World Cup
Tite might regret not including Firmino in his World Cup squad if Brazil struggle to score in Qatar. The Liverpool star is in strong form this season with six goals and three assists in 12 Premier League games. He also has 17 goals in 55 caps, with one over four at a World Cup.
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