Brazil face Senegal in a friendly on Tuesday (June 20). Fans are questioning the Selecao's starting lineup after two Newcastle United players were chosen.
The South American giatns beat Guinea 4-1 pm Saturday and will look to continue their winning form against Les Lions de la Teranga. Ramon Menezes has named the team that will clash with the African nation at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon.
UEFA Champions League winner Ederson starts in goal, with Danilo, Eder Militao, Marquinhos and Ayrton in defence. Meanwhile, Premier League trio Lucas Paqueta, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton start in midfield. Malcom and Vinicius Junior join Richarlison in attack.
However, fans aren't too pleased to be seeing Richarlison starting following his display against Guinea. The Tottenham Hotspur frontman failed to get on the scoresheet in the win. He also had just two shots, with only one on target.
The Spurs forward struggled in the recently concluded season following a £60 million move from Everton. He didn't manage a single Premier League goal.
However, Richarlison fares much better for Brazil, which was the case in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He bagged three goals in four games, including the Goal of the Tournament.
Nevertheless, one fan is particularly unimpressed by his inclusion in the starting lineup, tweeting:
"Is that the new Newcastle lineup for midfield?"
Another fan has questioned whether Selecao are becoming the new Newcastle United due to their midfield:
"Richarlison starting again after dropping a stinker."
Here's how Twitter reacted to Menezes' team selection to face Senegal:
Newcastle United prioritise contract talks with Brazil's Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle are reportedly looking to push forth contract talks with midfielder Guimaraes. The Brazilian has been a mainstay in Eddie Howe's side since arriving in January 2022. He scored five goals and provided as many assists in 40 games across competitions in the 2022-23 season.
The 25-year-old was key in the Magpies qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle view Guimaraes as an indisputable asset.
They're reported to have already held talks over an extension for the Brazil international. His deal at St James' Park expires in 2026, and Howe's side are eager to get him to prolong his stay.
That's despite reports claiming that the Magpies are willing to use the midfielder in a deal to sign Barcelona winger Raphinha. Those reports may be wide of the mark, thouh, given how the 11-cap Brazilian is seemingly viewed by the Premier League club.