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Brazil are one of the favorites to win gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as they have some talented players in their squad.
Five years ago, a certain Neymar inspired Selecao to an Olympic gold in Rio, and the Brazilian fans will hope the current crop of youngsters can repeat the feat sans Neymar.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at five Brazilian players to watch out for at the Tokyo Olympics.
#5 Dani Alves
Dani Alves. Remember him? He has featured in just two World Cups, four Copa America tournaments and two Confederations Cups, and has won a record 41 titles in 20 seasons. Dani Alves: How can you not remember him?
The Tokyo Olympics could be Alves’ last dance on the international stage as he is 38 and might not have too much to play for if he picks up gold with the Selecao.
Alves’ selection came as a surprise, but the Brazilian revealed that he is “feeling the butterflies” ahead of the tournament as he will feature alongside the young guns of the Selecao.
He is by far the most experienced player in the tournament, and will hope to lead by example on the pitch when the Brazilians play their first game against Germany.
Alves leaves everything on the pitch and wears his heart on his sleeve, so he is definitely one of the players to watch out for.
#4 Douglas Luiz
The Aston Villa midfielder was part of Brazil’s Copa America side that were beaten by Argentina in the final around a fortnight ago.
Luiz made two appearances for the senior Brazilian team at Copa America 2021, and will hope to play a more key role for the Under-23 side at the Tokyo Olympics.
The energetic midfielder is known for his passing and distribution, and he can make the occasional forward forays as well.
Brazil are one of the favorites to win gold, and Luiz will not want to miss out on the winning feeling once again after coming so close in the Copa America.
Also read: Tokyo Olympics 2020 - Top 5 Spanish footballers to watch out for
#3 Reinier
Brazilian attacking midfielder Reinier will need to step up his game at the Tokyo Olympics after a subpar loan spell at Borussia Dortmund.
An extremely talented and gifted attacking midfielder, the 19-year old struggled to get into the Borussia Dortmund team under Lucien Favre and then Edin Terzic during the 2020-21 Bundesliga season.
Fortunately for him, he will have a chance to redeem himself ahead of his return to his parent club Real Madrid.
The Olympics may not be a competition where future stars are made, but if Reinier can play an important role for the Brazilians in whatever playing time he gets, he might get the momentum he needs to push further next season.
Getting into the Brazilian team will be easier said than done, though, as manager André Jardine has several talented players to pick for the attacking roles.
Also read: Brazil U23 vs Germany U23 prediction, preview, team news and more | Tokyo Olympics 2020
#2 Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal attacker Gabriel Martinelli has shown hints of the incredible ability he possesses, but injuries haven’t been kind to him.
The 20-year old had a decent season for Arsenal after recovering from a long-term injury, and earned Mikel Arteta’s faith to start frequently in the second half of the season.
Martinelli will be a threat on the left flank if he starts, as he has pace to burn and can beat defenders with his skill too.
A good performance at the Tokyo Olympics will set him up nicely for the upcoming season as he is still very young and can be a star in the coming years.
#1 Richarlison
Much will rest on Everton’s Richarlison when Brazil begin their campaign against Germany on Thursday.
The 24-year old has a good Copa America with the senior Brazilian team and managed one goal and one assist in the tournament.
He is expected to improve his output in the Olympics and lead the Brazilian charge. Matheus Cunha is the only other striker in the squad, so it’s likely that Richarlison will be the preferred option.
The Everton star tends to play on the edge more often than not, and will need to put in a good performance at the Olympics. In the last few seasons, his displays have made the big boys of Europe take notice, and some good performances at the Olympics will only make his stock rise higher.
