Why Martinelli? Tite explains selection

Rio de Janeiro: Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has received his second international call up for Brazil, with the 21-year-old named in Tite’s 26-man FIFA World Cup squad. Martinelli only made his debut for Brazil earlier this year.

When asked about what the World Cup meant to him, Martinelli said: “I am trying everything to go to the world cup. When I was 7 my dad told me that when I am 21, there will be a world cup and you’re going to be playing”.

Brazil manager Tite spoke on Martinelli’s late inclusion to the squad highlighting three reasons as to why he was called up.

“We like Martinelli aggressiveness,” Tite said.

“He’s one of the top players at Arsenal, the first placed in the Premier League. He’s good on one versus one, very rapid in transitions, he’s been keeping a good level.”

Brazil will kick off their World Cup campaign against Serbia on Thursday, November 24 before taking on Switzerland and Cameroon.

Brazil squad: Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras);

Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Dani Alves (Pumas), Alex Sandro (Juventus), Alex Telles (Sevilla), Thiago Silva (Chelsea), Marquinhos (PSG), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Gleison Bremer (Juventus); Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Fabinho (Liverpool), Fred (Manchester United), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Paqueta (West Ham United), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo);

Forwards: Neymar (PSG), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), Antony (Manchester United), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal), Richarlison (Tottenham), Pedro (Flamengo), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal).

- London Football