Brazil squad for Copa America 2024: Who’s in and Who’s out, Key Players and Predicted Lineup

Brazil will enter this upcoming Copa America 2024 as one of the favourites to win it all, besides holders Argentina. Despite not having one of their best-ever players in Neymar available for the tournament, the Seleccao will hope to put their best foot forward and lift their 10^th title.

Now, under manager Dorival Junior, they will look to bring back the glory days where Brazil were known to be one of the strongest teams irrespective of who was in front of them. The manager has made some tough calls and some forced decisions as he narrows down on 23 players for Copa America. Having said that, let’s take a look at their squad, starting with goalkeepers.

Goalkeepers

Liverpool’s Alisson and Manchester City’s Ederson have been by far the two best Brazilian goalkeepers in recent times, but the former has retained the number one spot. However, both have suffered injuries that kept them out for short periods towards the end of the season, which will surely factor into Dorival’s decision.

However, Ederson suffered another injury in the penultimate game of the season, which has ruled him out of contention to participate in Copa America 2024. This gives Alisson a free run at the goalkeeper spot.

Defenders

In defense, Gabriel Magalhaes has finally being picked for Brazil after impressive performances for Arsenal over the last two seasons. He was part of the Premier League’s best defence this season, which probably was a big reason for his selection. He will partner with skipper Marquinhos in central defence.

On the right, City loanee Yan Couto has made a strong claim for the spot after an impressive season with Girona, while FC Porto’s Wendell has his eyes set on the left-back spot.

Midfielders

In midfielder, Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta essentially pick themselves and are guaranteed starters despite Brazil’s roster being quite stacked. However, they will need a more defensive-minded player alongside them to provide Dorival with more balance. Douglas Luiz could be an option, while Andreas Pereira is also an option. Others such as Joao Gomes and Ederson may not get as many minutes in a stacked midfield such as this.

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Forwards

The attack is one area where Dorival Junior and his staff will really have to rack their brains to pick three from an unbelievably talented crop of players.

However, it is safe to say that Vinicius Junior has done enough to book himself a starting berth on the left flank with his incredible performances for Real Madrid this season. Rodrygo, Evanilson and Gabriel Martinelli have had decent seasons for their clubs and will battle it out among themselves to take up the right flank.

Other attacking options are Pepe, Raphinha and Savio, all of whom have had decent seasons. Ultimately, it will be Dorival who decides which players fit the system best.

Predicted lineup for Brazil in Copa America 2024

Dorival Junior will likely use his strongest squad for most matches in this tournament and will rarely get the chance to play the fringe players.

In goal, Alisson will take charge between the sticks after Ederson’s untimely injury. In front of him will be skipper Marquinhos alongside Gabriel, who is coming off the back of an impressive season. On the right, they have Girona’s Yan Couto, while Porto’s Wendell seems like another lock for the left-back spot.

In midfield, Douglas Luiz will play the deep role, while Bruno Guimaraes will be on the right, and Lucas Paqueta will be on the left.

Vinicius will start on the left flank, with Gabriel Martinelli on the right side. One of Evanilson or Raphinha are likely to start in the central role to give Brazil more options.

Brazil Predicted Lineup: Alisson (GK); Couto, Marquinhos (C), Gabriel, Wendell; Luiz, Guimaraes, Paqueta; Vinicius, Evanilson, Martinelli.

Players missing for Brazil in Copa America 2024

Brazil’s all-time top scorer and currently their best player Neymar will miss the tournament after injuring his ACL during a match for Al Hilal in October 2023. As per usual timelines, he will be back in training only in July, which will prove to be too late for this tournament.

Meanwhile, Premier League duo of Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison have been snubbed due to their unconvincing performances for their clubs this season. Veteran midfielder Casemiro, too, has been omitted.

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