Brazil: Defence Is The New Attack

For perhaps the first time in Brazilian footballing history a case can be made that the national side's defensive talents are overshadowing those of their attack. Most within Brazil will take little joy from this; a nation demands and expects flourishing forward play come 2014.

But Phil Scolari's confidence in Brazil's back four, which have been questioned numerous times during previous World Cup failures, must be high, having seen some stirring displays from Dante and Thiago Silva in the Champions League this calender year.

29-years-old, Dante is at the peak of his career. A towering presence in Bayern's romp to the Bundesliga title and imminent place in the Champions League final, he has all the quality's of his Brazilian predecessor Lucio and more. There is little in terms of weaknesses; he reads the game well, is an expert tackler of the ball and has enough pace to keep the best strikers within his reach. Thiago Silva continues to discredit Joey Barton's accusations that he is an 'overweight ladyboy'. A certainty for 2014, his leadership and talent will be crucial if Brazil are to win in front of their own fans.

The highly rated Dede.

Lesser known to European fans is Dede. Having recently become Cruzeiro's record signing he's held in high acclaim; a cult idol for former employees Vasco De Gama, Dede was recently voted as one of the 100 greatest Brazilians of all time on a television network. Scolari could pair Dede with Silva and leave Dante in reserve if Dede's irresistible form continues.

Dani Alves and Marcelo are the likely candidates at full back and with balls like the one Alves played to Messi against PSG they'll be expected to exert an influence on games. The pressure to mirror the successes of Cafu and Roberto Carlos is ever present 

David Luiz has thrown his name into the hat too; an ideal candidate to serve as Scolari's new enforcer in front of the defence, just as Edmilson did for Scolari so efficiently in 2002. To restrict Luiz to central defence takes too much away from his game. Pairing him with Ramires as one of two holding midfielders, Luiz can roam forward as well as defend. Both need to add more discipline to their game, with the habit to neglect defensive duties a common trend in both their games. The pair can improve their chemistry at Chelsea next season.

Neymar - Brazil's golden hope.

It's higher up the pitch where things aren't so rosy. Brazil are yet to work out their best form of attack, though it will most definitely by built around Santos's Neymar. Lucas looks a player and showed strength and vision well beyond his years against Barcelona. Oscar continues to develop at Chelsea and next season he will be accustomed to the Premier League's physicality. His technical ability is beyond question; lost among a disappointing defence of their Champions League trophy his goal for Chelsea against Juventus was sublime. Himself and Lucas are the likely candidates to accompany Neymar, in what could be a three man attack, with another flair player in behind.

The rest of Brazil's elite are fighting for the remaining places. Kaka and Ronaldinho would both relish one final swansong, which in itself is a sad thought considering the way their careers in Europe have stagnated. If it is to be one or the other Ronaldinho looks like the likely option, having captained the side in their latest friendly against Chile on April 24th. Scolari still has a soft spot for the man who helped take Brazil all the way in 2002.

Alexander Pato has returned home to catch Scolari's eye, but he has never quite done the business for Brazil. Luis Fabiano wasted his big chance at the 2010 World Cup and at 32-years-of-age may well be considered old news by 2014, likewise Fred. Robinho, who was one of the stand out performers in South Africa, has struggled for consistency since, falling well out of favour with the national side.
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Dunga's boys - Robinho and Luis Fabiano, currently out in the cold. 

Hulk has a taste for the spectacular  but is missing the goal threat of the legendary Ronaldo and his ambition has to be questioned; testing himself against Russian defences is not the most difficult of challenges.  Long term Tottenham target Leandro Damiao is another option Scolari will consider.

In short Brazil's attacking positions are up for grabs and whichever striker can find form next season is the one most likely to pair up with Neymar on home soil. It's a case of stick or twist; will players move abroad to impress Scolari at a major European side or stay at home where a prolific season is more likely.

It remains to be seen whether having their players scattered around the globe benefits Brazil's overall game. One thing is certain, the jigsaw is far from completion and Scolari is running out of time to find the missing pieces.