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Brazil were the first team to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after winning seven consecutive world cup qualifying matches as they continue with their record of being the only team to appear in all World Cup editions.
The Samba Boys have been impressive under Tite winning 13 matches, drawing 3 and losing once - an impressive 76.47% win ratio for the Brazilian coach. The only loss Brazil suffered under Tite came in a friendly match against Argentina.
The resurgence of the Selecao under Tite makes them one of the favorites to win the World Cup this year. Reports in Brazil stated that Tite named 15 members for this year's World Cup.
The 15 squad members include: Alison, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Miranda, Marcelo, Casemiro, Fernadinho, Renato Augusto, Phillipe Coutinho, Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino, and Neymar.
This means there are still eight positions that are still up for grabs to make the full 23-man squad as recommended by FIFA. Here is a list of 8 players who could still be part of Tite's World Cup squad in Russia.
#8 Neto (Valencia) - Goalkeeper
With Tite naming only one goalkeeper in his 15-man squad, there are still two goalkeeping positions up for grabs.
Neto has been very impressive since joining Valencia this season from Italian giants Juventus where he was playing second fiddle to Gianluigi Buffon. He has developed into one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga in his debut season.
He has played an integral part for Valencia with 6 clean sheets in 25 league appearances for Los Che as they sit fourth in La Liga standings - hoping to qualify for Champions League.
Neto has also saved two penalties for Valencia, guiding them to 15 wins, 6 draws and losing only six matches. He fits the bill to be Brazil's third choice goalkeeper at this year's World Cup.
#7 Danilo (Manchester City) - Full-Back/Midfielder
Danilo has managed to banish the nightmare career he had at Real Madrid and develop into a reliable defender for high-flying English Premier League side Manchester City. He has been utilised by Pep Guardiola at right back, left back, and midfield for the Cityzens and his versatility could prove to be a great asset for the Selecao.
He has racked up 32 appearances in all competitions in the Premier league and Champions League and therefore has vital experience. And being coached by one of the best coaches makes him a valuable addition to the squad.
Danilo has fitted well into Guardiola's possession-based footballing philosophy, averaging an astonishing 90% pass accuracy, winning 51% of aerial duels, and averaging 2 defensive actions per game.
He is a natural right back as that's the position he excelled at Porto that secured him a big money move to Real Madrid as a youngster and would be a good back-up to first choice right-back Dani Alves.
#6 Jermeson (Monaco) - Defender
Jermeson has developed into a top class defender since joining Monaco in 2016 from Brazilian side Atletico Miniero. And he has impressed this season as his development under Leonardo Jardim continues.
He has been terrific for Monaco this season, averaging 7 defensive actions per game, winning 49% of his aerial duels and averaging an astonishing 88% passing accuracy per game.
Defensively, he has been vital for the Principality side with a tackle success rate of 50%, 118 clearances and 16 blocks.
Jermeson's statistics suggest that he could be a shrewd addition to Brazil's World Cup squad as their fourth-choice centre-back in Russia.
#5 Alex Sandro (Juventus) - Full-Back
It wasn't an easy choice to choose Alex Sandro over Atletico Madrid defender Felipe Luis. Sandro has developed into one of the finest left-backs in the game since joining Juventus from Porto in 2015.
His impressive performances for the Bianconeri has seen him being linked with big money moves away from Turin. The defender has been more fundamental to Juventus this season than before, averaging 3 defensive actions per game while averaging an 86% passing accuracy per game.
Sandro has shown his attacking prowess and crossing ability too by creating 20 chances and scoring three goals in 17 Serie A appearances for the Old Lady. Being an explosive left-back, strong tackler and a good crosser will provide proper defensive cover and offer an additional attacking threat down the left flank for the Selecao.
He should be the obvious pick to deputise for first-choice left-back Marcelo in Russia.
#4 Fred (Shaktar Donetsk) - Midfielder
Fred has developed into a world class midfielder since joining Shahktar Donestsk from Brazilian side International in 2013. He has been instrumental in Donetsk's surprise Champions League run this season - a side who are on the brink of quarter-final qualification after his wonder strike secured a first leg victory against Italian side AS Roma.
Fred was also influential when Shahktar Donetsk became the first team to defeat high-flying Manchester City this season. He averages passing accuracy of 84% per game and wins 52% of his aerial duels.
He has also created nine chances, proving to be influential as a deep-lying playmaker. Fred's vision, creativity, range of passing from deep midfield makes him a valuable addition to the Brazilian squad giving good competition to Renato Augusto.
#3 Luiz Gustavo (Marseille) - Midfielder
Luiz Gustavo has revived his career since joining Olympique Marseille from Wolfsburg in the summer. The strong tackling midfielder's international career seemed to have come to an end but a series of impressive performances in the centre of the park for the French side gives him a chance to make Tite's World Cup squad.
Gustavo has been sensational for Marseille this season, with an 88.7% passing accuracy per game, winning 49% of his aerial duels, and averaging 3 defensive actions per game. He has also notched 6 goals and an assist as Marseille sit third in the Ligue 1 table.
Gustavo was ever-present in Brazil's 2014 World Cup matches except the quarter-final against Colombia that he missed due to suspension. Aged 30, he has plethora of experience and could be a useful addition to Brazil's dressing room.
He is a ball-winning midfielder with game-reading ability that helps anticipate attacking threats from the opposition and could prove to be a valuable backup for Casemiro and Fernandinho.
#2 Fabinho (Monaco) - Midfielder
Fabinho has developed into one of the best central midfielders at Monaco since switching positions from right-back. His impressive performances pulling strings in the midfield for the Principality club saw him being linked with top European teams and he narrowly missed out on a move to PSG.
He was instrumental for Monaco last season as they dethroned PSG as Ligue 1 champions. He has also been fundamental this season as the champions sit second in the table.
He boasts an impressive 85% passing accuracy per game and has won 2.8 aerial duels per game in 37 appearances for Monaco this season. Additionally, Fabinho has found the back of the net 6 times and has 3 assists this season.
Fabinho's versatility could be an asset for the Brazilian team as he can play across all midfield positions and even as a right-back if required.
#1 Ederson Moraes (Manchester City) - Goalkeeper
Ederson has developed into one of the best goalkeepers in the English Premier League ever since joining them in a big-money deal from Benfica. It came as a surprise that the 24-year-old did not make the first 15-man squad that was initially announced.
He has put in a mesmerising performances for the Cityzens, keeping 11 clean sheets in 27 league appearances with quick reflexes. His pin-point passing (84.9%) is also commendable.
He has conceded only 20 goals in the process, losing just one match in the Premier League as Manchester City's goalkeeper.
The youngster has proven to be a world class goalkeeper since linking up with Pep Guardiola's side and should clearly be the back-up to Tite's first choice goalkeeper - AS Roma shot-stopper Alisson.
