A look at the future: Brazil and England

Brazil

Neymar

He is touted as the ‘next big thing’ in football. He himself says that he can be better than Ronaldo and Messi. While I have serious reservations about such a statement, there is no doubt that the man has skills. Whether or not he can use them at the top-most level of the game remains to be seen. When Brazil faced England at Wembley, he was extremely ordinary. It seems that he has thrived in the lax climes of South American football and would struggle against quick and physical defenses. But he is a player capable of the extraordinary, and if he lives up to his hype, we may see a new star adorning the football skies in the years to come.

Oscar

He came to Chelsea with great hype and fanfare. It has to be said that till now, Oscar has looked the part. More importantly, he has adjusted to European football and seems to be tailor-made for it. He is quick and has an abundance of creative flair. He can score goals and has amazing technical ability for someone his age. He has shown repeatedly that against tight defenses he has the ability to produce moments of magic. Also, playing with Juan Mata, Frank Lampard and John Terry can only have helped.

Lucas Moura

Another of the Brazilian ‘wonderkids’, Moura snubbed Manchester United and signed for Paris St. Germain. Lucas has looked the most impressive of the latest crop of Brazilian players. He has decent strength to supplement his pace and trickery. Also, he is adaptable. He can play as a striker or as a support striker, he can even drop back and perform a defensive role when required. For a team like Brazil, which is filled with flair players, a man like Moura, who is a model of the combination of flair and responsibility, might just be the perfect player.

Juan Jesus

Now his name inspires confidence, and so does his game. Currently at Inter Milan, Jesus is an offspring of Brazilian attack and Italian defense. He is a good defender and has very good pace on and off the ball. For an attacking team such as Brazil, a quick defender who is good in the air is a must, and Juan ticks all the boxes. His time in Italy will undoubtedly help develop the defensive side of his game and Brazil must hope that he is capable enough to fill the shoes of legends like Dunga and Lucio and lead the defense for years to come.

Rafael da Silva

The Manchester United right back has developed brilliantly. Being first choice right back for a global club like Manchester United is a challenge in itself. So far though, Rafael has given a fabulous account of himself. He is defensively secure and street-smart going forward. A good crosser off the ball, he has a brilliant right foot and is a decent header of the ball. Along with Jesus, he could form the cornerstone for Brazil’s defense.