The head coach appears to have found a successful solution to that particular dilemma, however, and it involves Eder Militao playing at full-back.
Tite’s decision shouldn’t have come as a complete surprise
Brazil head coach Tite has a blessing and a curse from his wealth of options at centre-back. He appears to have found a successful solution to that particular dilemma, however, and it involves Eder Militao playing at full-back. Choosing just two of Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, and Militao is not an enviable task, but Tite managed to play all three against Ghana on Friday night by fielding the Real Madrid player at right back. Militao impressed in the 3-0 win, and it now seems that this set-up could be a serious option for the Canarinhos in Qatar. It’s a position the former Porto defender is not completely alien to, but it has been a while since he played there with any regularity. Tite’s decision shouldn’t have come as a complete surprise, however, as he hinted at the possibility when he announced his squad.
Militao now made 58 passes with an accuracy of 94.9 per cent
The question was asked at his press conference with the inclusion of only one natural right back, Danilo of Juventus. Playing on the right of a back four in defence and a back three in attack, Militao made 58 passes against Ghana with an accuracy of 94.8 per cent, which increased to 96.3 per cent on passes in the opposition half. He also had one shot on goal, another blocked, won 37 per cent of his duels, led his team in clearances and interceptions, and won the ball back four times. He did give the ball away on five occasions but overall had an impressive game. “No one knows the future; we’re just looking at the present. Eder is a great defender; he’s grown a lot and has played right-back for Sao Paulo and Porto,” Brazil’s coaching staff told reporters.
“He also played there against Japan in June in the second half. Just like in the middle, on the flank, he has good qualities in terms of speed and duels. Also, he stands out in terms of bringing the ball out in build-up play. He had a great game, and he can do that role.”