From Jesus to Neymar: Brazil’s attackers are on fire

Karan Tejwani

• Updated: 20 Sept 2022 13:57 BST
• 5 min read

Brazil are one of the favourites heading into the World Cup and they should feel confident, given the start some of their stars have had so far this season.

The Selecao are always expected to do big things in football’s premier football tournament and in Qatar this winter, they have a strong chance of ending a two decade-long wait for the hexa – their sixth World Cup triumph.

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In recent times, there were issues over the team’s unity and doubts over their mental resilience, but ahead of the campaign in the Middle East, this team looks better than ever and well-equipped to go all the way.

Leading the line, there are players that coach Tite will relish having on his team, and they will be the focal point if Brazil are to go all the way in the World Cup.

Brazil forwards are firing ahead of the World Cup

The star is, obviously, Neymar who, despite having rumours surrounding his future at Paris Saint-Germain, is playing arguably the best football of his career with the French side since joining back in 2017.

Neymar always has a different motivation for the World Cup compared to other tournaments, and he could be heading into this tournament in the best shape, should he keep up his form.

So far this season, the forward has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists across 10 matches in all competitions, and Tite will be delighted with that return, hoping to see him spearhead Brazil’s World Cup charge.

There’s been questions over Brazil’s number nine in recent World Cups, but Gabriel Jesus may be the answer following his impressive start to life with Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.

He moved from Manchester City this year and has been a key cog to the Gunners’ good start to the season and despite not being in the Selecao squad for upcoming friendlies, he should be in the one traveling to Qatar.

His season so far has started with four goals and three assists in eight appearances, but beyond that, he’s made players around him better, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard all benefitting.

Antony is another player who moved clubs this summer and despite being a relative newcomer to the Brazil set-up, he is one that brings plenty of flair to the team with his speed, skill and confidence to beat players.

The 22-year-old swapped Ajax for Manchester United in the summer’s most expensive transfer and keeps his place in the Brazil squad despite missing out on league football for the Dutch side during his transfer saga.

He hit the ground running at Old Trafford immediately with a goal against Arsenal, and combining that to the good start he made in the Eredivisie, it shows that he can perform well under pressure.

Similarly, Raphinha is another winger in the side who made a move, swapping Leeds United for Barcelona, and he faces competition at the Blaugrana to find a place in the first-team.

He’s only contributed to one goal and one assist this season for Barcelona – scoring against Sevilla – but Tite appreciates what he brings to the team and he will almost certainly be going to Qatar.

Then there’s the talents who haven’t made a transfer but will are continuing to shine for their respective club sides, including the Real Madrid duo of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo.

Vinicius Jr. has been excellent since Carlo Ancelotti took over at the start of last season, and this campaign has seen a magnificent start as he establishes himself as a leader in the Real Madrid attack.

Five goals and four assists in nine matches, including starring displays across both competitions has seen his value skyrocket, and Tite may finally find a place for him in Brazil’s starting set-up ahead of the World Cup.

Rodrygo is also growing into his role, and he will be looking to establish his place in the squad, having been in and out of it in recent times.

Finally, Roberto Firmino is finding form for Liverpool, having suffered with injuries over the last year, while Richarlison is firing for Tottenham, giving hope that this winter could end 20 years of disappointment for Brazil.

There are many good teams heading into this winter’s tournament, but it could be argued none have the unity, strength or quality that Brazil do, and this could finally be their time once again.