Defenders
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With the surprise exclusion of David Luiz and Thiago Silva, the centre-back responsibilities in all probability will fall to the defensive duo of Marquinhos and Miranda. Marquinhos’ early career was marked by him being identified as a versatile defender, but the subtle nuances of professional and amateur football led to him being rechristened a centre back with the occasional ability to switch to the right, should the team need such a change.
Inter Milan defender Miranda will play a key role in the back 4 partnering Marquinhos. Miranda is a solid no-nonsense type of defender and is very good aerially. Dunga will be relying heavily on his positioning and defensive attributes.
The full-back positions literally pick themselves with Barcelona’s Dani Alves and Atletico Madrid’s Filipe Luis taking the right-back and left-back positions. Alves and Luis will be key in providing an attacking outlet as well as covering defensively for the Selecao.
Alves’ ability to put in inviting crosses from the right-hand side along with Filipe Luis’ defensive solidity makes Brazil’s back 4 a solid defensive unit along with some natural attacking flair.
