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An XI of amazing players left out of Brazil’s 2022 World Cup squad

Ben Stewart •

Brazil are one of the favourites at the 2022 World Cup and their strength in depth is absolutely terrifying for everyone else.

Tite announced his 26-man squad to travel to Qatar and it’s fair to say that some big names were left out of his squad.

We’ve compiled an XI of amazing Brazilian stars who haven’t made it to Qatar.

GK: Neto

After sitting on the bench for three years at Barcelona, Neto has recently revived his career at Bournemouth.

The Brazilian shot-stopper boasts a save percentage of 83.9%, which is higher than any goalkeeper in the Premier League, including fellow Brazilian stars Alisson and Ederson.

RB: Emerson Royal

A 39-year-old Dani Alves managed to beat Emerson Royal to Brazil’s 26-man squad.

It’s fair to say that he’s had a tough few months.

CB: Diego Carlos

Diego Carlos won a gold medal at the 2020 Olympic Games with Brazil but wasn’t fortunate enough to receive a call-up for the World Cup.

The £26 million rated Aston Villa defender has missed the majority of the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon.

CB: Gabriel Magalhaes

Arsenal currently boast the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League, having only conceded 11 goals all season.

Gabriel has gone from strength to strength at the Emirates, but he was a notable snub from this year’s team. He will be watching from home as his fellow teammates Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli both made the cut.

LB: Renan Lodi

Renan Lodi has never really recovered from his blunder in the 2021 Copa America final against Argentina.

In a bid to rediscover his form, he joined Nottingham Forest on loan but ultimately hasn’t done enough to impress Tite.

CM: Fernando

Brazil are well stocked in the holding midfield department with the likes of Fabinho and Casemiro.

Fernando has improved significantly since his Manchester City days and is now an ever-dependable member of Jorge Sampaoli’s Sevilla side.

The 35-year-old didn’t make the cut in what would have been his first major tournament.

CM: Oscar

Oscar has faded into obscurity since moving over to China in 2017.

Having been a star of the 2014 World Cup, his final appearance for Brazil came in 2015.

CAM: Matheus Cunha

Since signing for Atletico Madrid in 2021 things just haven’t quite clicked for Matheus Cunha. The majority of his appearances have come from the bench and his lack of game time has resulted in him missing out.

As he is only 23 years old, we’re sure that his time will come in the future.

LW: Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho’s place in the Brazil squad was already up for debate before he picked up a hamstring injury on the eve of the tournament.

The World Cup won’t quite feel the same without him.

Philippe Coutinho celebrates a goal during Brazil x Paraguay at the Mineiro Stadium, in Belo Horizonte, 01 February 2022.

READ: Coutinho finished? His 25-yard piledriver for Brazil says otherwise

RW: David Neres

Brazil’s strength in depth in the final third is absolutely absurd.

David Neres didn’t make the cut as the likes of Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Antony, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Rodrygo and Richarlison made the squad ahead of him.

They’re not exactly struggling for wingers, are they?

ST: Roberto Firmino

Perhaps the biggest snub from the Brazil team this year was Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino.

While Liverpool haven’t been at their best, Firmino seemed to rediscover his form at the perfect moment to be back in contention for the World Cup.

Nine goals and four assists weren’t enough to warrant him a place in the 26-man squad.

READ MORE: An XI of amazing players left out of France’s 2022 World Cup squad

TRY A QUIZ: Can you name every player that’s made 15+ World Cup appearances?

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