Greatest Brazil XI post-1990

Midfield

Dunga’s ability to carry the ball out of deep midfield with his passes and technique would work as a fine link between midfield and attack

Before you read any further, let it be known that the midfield quartet might not please many Brazil aficionados since I have decided to leave out some flamboyant players for robust warriors in an attempt to make this XI as balanced as possible.

It was for this very reason why I opted for a 4-2-2-2 formation. In the double-pivot at the base of the midfield, the duty to guard the defense falls on the able shoulders of Dunga and Gilberto Silva. For many, this might too rigid a base, but Dunga’s ability to carry the ball out of deep midfield with his passes and technique would work as a fine link between midfield and attack.

The reason why Dunga and Silva were chosen over some of the more creative players is simple: they bring balance to the system and were two of the best ball-winners at their peak. For the attacking players to play well, they need the ball at their feet in the first place—and this duo provides just that.

Ronaldinho and Rivaldo’s directness suits the counter-attacking system on which this XI has been hypothesized

Further up, in attacking midfield, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo get the nod ahead of Ricardo Kaka. The latter was the best player in the world before Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo took over. However, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho, at their peaks, were better than the former Real Madrid man.

Also, their directness suits the counter-attacking system on which this XI has been hypothesized.

While Ronaldinho’s vision and trickery provide the perfect platform of assistance, Rivaldo’s cunning skill on the ball makes him a pseudo third attacker—a surprise element—for the opposition to deal with.