Carlo Ancelotti has a decision to make for the World Cup.
Brazil aren’t necessarily the strongest side heading to football’s showpiece this summer. Yet the Selecao are not to be underestimated. Ancelotti has ample quality running through the squad.
In this article, we’ll cover:
Alisson is one of best goalkeepers in world football. Gabriel, Marquinhos and Bremer all play for European heavyweights. Casemiro and Andrey Santos are two Premier League experienced ball winners. Joelinton, Bruno Guimarares and Lucas Paqueta didn’t even make Brazil’s latest squad, though Guimaraes would have been in had he been fit.
On the frontline, Vinicius Junior, Matheus Cunha, Estevao and Raphinha have the means to put the staunchest of backlines to the sword. Rodrygo would have been another option had he not suffered a serious knee injury. Ancelotti, though, has a decision to make on the frontline. Who leads the charge for the South American powerhouse in North America this year?
Brazil’s striker conundrum
Back in Qatar, Tottenham Hotspur man Richarlison was spearheading Brazil’s ultimately doomed push for glory. This time around, Joao Pedro would seem the logical option. While signed as a support striker from Brighton and Hove Albion last summer, the Chelsea man has shone as the focal point for the Blues.
The 24-year-old has scored 14 goals and laid on additional five assists in the Premier League this season. The former return ranks third in the division. The latter among the top 10. Nominally, Pedro would perhaps have been guaranteed first choice for the five-time World Cup winners.
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Ancelotti, though, has thrown a spanner in the works. The legendary Italian has opted to hand Brentford hitman Igor Thiago a first call up to the national team. Thiago’s debut season at the Gtech Community Stadium was wrecked due to injuries. Indeed, the burly Brazilian was restricted to just eight league appearances, seven of which were off the bench.
He’s making up for lost time, and then some. Thiago has surprised many in the Premier League this season. Only Erling Haaland (22) has scored more goals than the Brentford man (19) in England’s top tier this term.
Will Ancelotti stick with favoured 4-2-3-1?
Ultimately the decision over whether to have Pedro or Thiago lead the line this summer depends on how Ancelotti wants to play. The 66-year-old has previously favoured a 4-2-3-1 setup. However, in the last two games, Ancelotti has used a 4-4-2, with Vinicius Junior and Cunha leading the charge as Brazil beat Senegal 2-0 and drew 1-1 with Tunisia.
Pedro was involved in the former victory, coming off the bench for the final 25 minutes. Ancelotti may have been experimenting with the options at his disposal. In all likelihood, he’ll revert to a 4-2-3-1 for the World Cup. In this instance, the likelihood is there is only one spot available to lead the charge.
Admittedly Ancelotti could have Pedro feature in the number 10 role. However, with both Cunha and Raphinha able to operate in the position, it’s potentially a straight shot between Pedro and Thiago to lead the charge. Endrick is another option, and the teenager is back in the squad following his bright start to life in Lyon.
Yet Ancelotti is unlikely to place his faith in the 19-year-old just yet. Conversely, Thiago is untested at this level. The sensible option is to utilise the experienced stars at his disposal. And with a 4-2-3-1 setup expected, Pedro is the obvious choice. Chelsea play a similar system, and it’s brought out the best in the former Seagulls man.
Thiago vs Pedro Comparison
With an average of 24.1 passes and one chance created per 90 minutes, the support act would benefit from a forward with a desire to bring others into play. By comparison, Thiago is more of the old-fashioned number nine. He’s unlikely to bring Joga Bonito to the national team. This is evident in that he is averaging 17.7 passes and creating 0.6 chances per 90 in the Premier League this season.
Pedro is also averaging more touches (42.8 to 33.4) and fewer fouls per 90 (1.3 to 2) to highlight the difference in styles. Conversely, this provides Ancelotti with crucial options on the frontline. This tactical flexibility could prove key in Brazil’s pursuit of glory. Ancelotti isn’t restricted to playing just one specific system. Depending on the opponent and the situation, Thiago and Pedro have vital roles to play.
Ultimately, Ancelotti is expected to opt for Pedro to lead the charge if push comes to shove. He’s the more experienced alternative and his link up play would benefit the likes of Vinicius Junior, Cunha and Raphinha. Yet every good team needs a Plan B, and Thiago fits the bill perfectly.
The likes of Spain, France and England perhaps have the better overall squad than Brazil. The European trio are fancied to go far in North America this summer. Yet Ancelotti has alternative striking options to call upon. The Premier League pair have what it takes to potentially fire the South American powerhouse to a sixth World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada.
