How Brazil should line up for the 2018 FIFA World Cup

There's absolutely no doubt that Brazil are one of the strongest team heading towards the World Cup later this year. After a strong campaign put up by Tite's men during the qualifiers, it is rather clear as to who all would make it to the squad.

Lots of big names dominate Brazil's starting 11, but adjusting all these high-profile stars on the pitch at a time is a tremendous task.

This national side has players who are arguably the best in business in their respective positions. On that note, let's take a look at how the manager could line his players up in an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation:

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Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ederson is an integral part of Guardiola's city.

Ederson Moraes has been one of the best goalkeepers this season. The 24-year old has improved drastically under the guidance of Pep Guardiola. He is great with the ball at his feet and also has superb reflexes. Although he doesn't have too many caps under his name, it is almost sure that he is going to be the first choice keeper.

Alisson can be included in the squad as a backup choice for the spot between the sticks.

The best left-back?

Brazil has no shortage of world-class defenders to fill in their back line. To start with, we have Marcelo who is expected to fill the left-back spot. He has been the best in his position for a long time now. Apart from his defensive skills, his attacking instinct is remarkable too.

The Real Madrid star is surely going to be one of the first names of the team list. On the right-hand side, they have another player who has been the best in that position since a couple of seasons, Dani Alves.

It won't be a surprise to see him occupy the right flank. At 33 years of age, he is still full of energy and is in no mood to show any signs of slowing down. The world will be hoping to see Alves score his trademark volley from outside the box too.

Felipe Luis, Alex Sandro and Danilo can be decent backup options for the full-back spots.

PSG teammates will be expected to play together again.

There is a lot of competition for the centre-back spots. Lots of big names pop up when you give it a thought, but Tite can play only 2 of them. One of them has to be Thiago Silva. Silva is tall, strong and technically very sound. He rarely puts a foot wrong and he is expected to lead his side too.

Selecting another centre-back is very tough. To provide some more physicality, the other spot is occupied by David Luiz. The Chelsea man has not been in good form this season, but it would be wise to make use of his experience and other capabilities. Luiz is strong in the air and is also known for his long-range free-kicks.

Marquinhos, Naldo and Miranda are other central defenders who can provide some squad depth.

Midfielders

Paulinho is definitely the surprise signing of this season

This formation includes two central midfielders with a defensive mind. For this, we have Paulinho and Casemiro. These two rivals should form a solid partnership together. Talking about Paulinho, he has emerged as a perfect box-to-box midfielder.

He has scored 8 goals in La Liga for the Catalan giants and surprisingly, scored the same number of goals as Neymar during the qualifiers (6 goals).

On the other hand, Casemiro's abilities are known worldwide. He is an integral part of Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid side and would be looking to replicate his form for Brazil as well. His long-range shots are deadly too.

Fernandinho and Fabinho can be the substitutes for this role.

Coutinho is a sensational player.

We have Philippe Coutinho to occupy the attacking midfield spot. He would have the freedom to roam around the park, create chances for the front three and try some curlers from outside the area as well. Coutinho would definitely be one the brightest sparks of this side. He grabbed 4 goals during the qualifiers as well.

Rafinha can be a good backup to play in the midfield as well.

Forwards

Ney is a magical footballer.

Starting with the most obvious one, we have Neymar on the left wing. The world's most expensive footballer will surely try to live up to the expectations of his fans. Neymar would also stands a better chance to win the cup, so that he gives himself an edge over Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Ballon d'Or, which is the ultimate goal as well.

There is little doubt that he is going to be a star at the World Cup. Neymar can also swap positions with Coutinho during the game to help out the team as both the players connect very well.

On the right wing, we have Willian. The Chelsea star is very quick and his dribbling skills are a thing to watch. He is a wonderful footballer and can be trusted to do job for his side.

Douglas Costa can be a brilliant backup to play on the flanks.

20-years-old and already a star.

There is competition for the first team spot but Gabriel Jesus deserves it. The young striker was Brazil's leading goalscorer in the qualifiers with 8 goals. Jesus is a complete number 9 with a sharp eye for goal.

Injury has bothered his form, but having scored 15 goals in 28 appearances for Manchester City, you expect him to bounce back sooner than later.

Roberto Firmino can be as good as Jesus, but he is expected to miss out on the first team spot.

Playing XI

This is how Brazil should line up

GK - Ederson

LB - Marcelo

CB - Thiago Silva

CB - David Luiz

RB - Dani Alves

DM - Casemiro

DM - Paulinho

AM - Philippe Coutinho

LW - Neymar

CF - Gabriel Jesus

RW - Willian