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Brazil will play Peru in the semi-final of Copa America 2021 on Monday, with Tite's men the favourites to win the game.
Peru have done well to reach this stage of the competition, but Brazil have been frighteningly good. Led by the mercurial Neymar, the Selecao have arguably been the best team at Copa America 2021 thus far and will be confident of their chances against Peru.
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Tite has quietly done a good job at the helm of Brazil, so Peru will have to be at their very best to stand a chance of causing an upset. Despite missing Gabriel Jesus, Brazil have more than enough attacking ammunition to cause problems to the Peruvian defence.
On that note, let's take a look at the best possible starting XI for Brazil in their Copa America 2021 semi-final against Peru.
Brazil Goalkeeper - Ederson Moraes (Manchester City)
Brazil boast two of the best goalkeepers in the world in their ranks, Liverpool's Alisson Becker and Manchester City's Ederson Moraes, who are fighting it out for the no.1 spot.
Ederson started the game against Chile in the quarter-final of Copa America 2021. He kept a clean sheet despite Brazil playing with ten men for much of the second-half after Gabriel Jesus' red card.
The 27-year-old has often played second fiddle to Alisson in the national team setup but has done little to discourage Brazil boss Tite from starting him in the semi-final against Peru.
Ederson, Alisson and Weverton have all been given chances at Copa America 2021. But Ederson should keep his spot in the game against Peru.
Other options: Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Weverton (Palmeiras).
Also Read: Fabrizio Romano's Transfer Roundup: Updates on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's futures, Arsenal active in the transfer market, and more.
Right-back - Danilo (Juventus)
A squad player at both Real Madrid and Manchester City, Brazil's Danilo has featured consistently for Juventus since joining them in 2019.
The 29-year-old is a highly versatile player who can play in both full-back positions. Danilo is likely to be given a start against Peru in the Copa America 2021 semi-final ahead of Barcelona's Emerson Royal. The right-back's experience and passing ability could prove to be key in this game.
Danilo is a consistent performer at club level and was one of Juventus' better performers during the 2020-21 season. While he is no Dani Alves, the former Porto man is a solid player.
Centre-back - Eder Militao (Real Madrid)
Like the goalkeepers, Brazil boss Tite has often rotated his centre-backs at Copa America 2021, with Eder Militao, Thiago Silva and Marquinhos all getting minutes.
It was Marquinhos and Thiago Silva who started against Chile in the quarter-final, so it would not be surprising to see Militao handed another opportunity in the semi-final. The 23-year-old has not set a foot wrong at Copa America 2021 thus far and is getting better with every performance.
Militao is likely going to start for Real Madrid next season at centre-back following the departure of Sergio Ramos and the possible exit of Raphael Varane. A strong end to the Copa America 2021 would do wonders to his confidence.
Centre-back - Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
Marquinhos is one of the best centre-backs in the world at the moment, and has proved his worth for club and country time and time again.
Since joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2013, Marquinhos has gone from strength to strength. The 27-year-old had a good mentor in Paris in Thiago Silva. Since the latter's departure, Marquinhos has taken over the role of a senior statesman. In recent seasons, the Brazil international has produced some excellent performances in defensive midfield as well.
At Copa America 2021, Marquinhos has been a key player for Brazil. The former Roma man has also been appreciated for his leadership ability, and will be key in the semi-final against Peru.
Left-back - Renan Lodi (Atletico Madrid)
Atletico Madrid won the La Liga title last season, but Renan Lodi made only 11 starts in the league for Diego Simeone's side.
He did start against Chile in the quarter-final of Copa America 2021, ahead of Juventus' Alex Sandro. The 23-year-old, who has made 76 appearances in all competitions for Atletico Madrid since joining them in 2019, will hope to get more minutes under his belt after a frustrating season.
Lodi is incredibly talented and has been linked with a move away from Atletico Madrid in recent weeks. A strong showing in the Copa America 2021 semi-final will help him attract interest.
Other options: Emerson Royal (Barcelona), Thiago Silva (Chelsea), Leo Ortiz (Red Bull Bragantino), Alex Sandro (Juventus).
Also Read: Brazil vs Peru- 5 key battles | Copa America 2021 semi-final.
Defensive Midfielder - Casemiro (Real Madrid)
One of the best defensive midfielders in world football, Casemiro is a nailed-on starter for Brazil in the semi-final of Copa America 2021.
Casemiro arrived at Copa America 2021 on the back of another good season with Real Madrid and has carried that form into the tournament. The 29-year-old is an aggressive midfielder with a strong defensive presence and is capable of adding a few goals with long-range shots too.
The former Porto loanee is excellent at what he does, and barring any unfortunate injury, Casemiro should be one of the first names in the Brazil teamsheet.
Central Midfielder - Fred (Manchester United)
Fred has featured regularly for Brazil at Copa America 2021 and has a good chance of starting against Peru in the semi-final.
The midfielder was one of Manchester United's most important players last season and enjoyed his best campaign with the Red Devils. Utilised predominantly as part of a midfield pivot by Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Fred thrived under the Norwegian during the 2020-21 season.
Brazil boss Tite clearly rates Fred highly and has given him plenty of opportunities at Copa America 2021. The 28-year-old is left-footed, which is an added advantage.
Central Midfielder - Lucas Paqueta (Lyon)
Lucas Paqueta scored Brazil's sole goal against Chile in the quarter-final and could be awarded with a start against Peru as well.
Paqueta enjoyed arguably the best season of his career in 2020-21, making 27 starts in Ligue 1 for Lyon, scoring nine goals and providing five assists. After a disappointing spell with AC Milan, the midfielder seems to be enjoying his football in France and deserved to be in Brazil's Copa America 2021 squad.
The 23-year-old will add creativity to Brazil's midfield if he does start. Paqueta is capable of playing further forward, if needed, as well.
Other options: Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Fabinho (Liverpool).
Also Read: Copa America 2021: 5 best forwards in the tournament so far.
Right Winger - Richarlison (Everton)
Brazil's Richarlison did not enjoy a good 2020-21 campaign with Everton. He made 33 Premier League starts, scoring seven goals and providing three assists, but more was expected from him.
Nevertheless, the former Watford attacker has featured heavily for Brazil at Copa America 2021, playing predominantly on the left wing or as a striker.
However, Gabriel Jesus' suspension could see Richarlison operate on the right-wing. The 24-year-old could cause serious trouble to opposition defenders with his pace and technical ability.
Centre-forward - Gabriel Barbosa (Flamengo)
With Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus earning a straight red card in the Copa America 2021 quarter-final against Chile, Gabriel Barbosa could be given a chance to lead Brazil's line against Peru.
After a disappointing spell in Europe with Inter Milan and Benfica, Barbosa has thrived since returning to Brazil. The forward won the Copa Libertadores with Flamengo in 2019 and has consistently scored goals for them.
It would not be surprising to see European clubs take an interest in Barbosa after his performances at club level. A strong Copa America 2021 campaign could elevate that interest.
Left Winger - Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)
Who else? Neymar has been sensational at Copa America 2021 so far for Brazil, scoring two goals and providing as many assists.
One of the best players in the world, Neymar, is Brazil's superstar. The Paris Saint-Germain attacker carries immense pressure with him to perform every time he plays for Brazil, but very rarely has Neymar disappointed.
The 29-year-old is the second-highest goalscorer for Brazil, only behind the legendary Pele. Neymar is a bonafide star, so a triumph in Copa America 2021 will cement his status as one of Brazil's greatest.
Other options: Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Everton Cebolinha (Benfica), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool).
Also Read: Copa America 2021: 5 best defenders in the tournament so far.
