Positional Breakdown #3

The Forwards

When you look at all of Brazil’s forwards, you know there is talent. But, who among them is world class? Are the best attacking options even starting under Dunga? Dunga’s picks have been questionable at this position, with some players starting or getting the call for the national team with limited club minutes and fitness issues. Today I’ll breakdown this position beginning with those who started the Italy match.

Robinho – It’s been a tumultuous couple of months for Robinho, with a host of off the pitch issues and a brief spat with his manager Mark Hughes. One thing is clear when you watch a Manchester City match: Robinho is the most talented player on that squad. Ultimately, I didn’t believe this move to City was a good one. The squad is not as talented as the one he could have played on at Chelsea, and it appears it will be quite some time before he will play in the Champions League again. Robinho’s national team performances have been rather hit or miss. However, he is an essential part of the squad and his success could very well dictate future results for the team.

Adriano – When Adriano had his arrival party at the 2005 Confederations Cup many thought he would become one of the world’s elite strikers. Since then it’s been a back and forth struggle for the player. He has been in and out of Jose Mourinho’s dog house for much of this season, and at the moment is out of it. Adriano has only scored 3 goals in league play all year for Inter Milan. He continues to be a physically imposing player in the box who can skillfully bring down and control the long ball. He is an asset for any team, but a starter? He hopefully can reassert himself in the months to come with more playing time for his club and country.

The Reserves

Pato – Who knows where in Serie A AC Milan would be without him? He has an impressive 12 goals this season in league play, all at the young age of 19, making him tied for fifth in Serie A. Pato is emerging as one of the world’s best forwards, all while maintaining a level head. Despite all this, Dunga has refused to give him consistent minutes for the national team. Dunga stated, “I want to protect Pato as much as possible and I can’t put the expectations of millions of people on his shoulders.” This comment comes as Pato has proven himself for Italy’s biggest club and the man who writes Pato’s checks is the Italian Prime Minister. Basically, I think he can handle the pressure. Even if Dunga does not believe that Pato is ready to start, throwing him out there in the garbage minutes of the Italy match doesn’t inspire much confidence. Pato will have to be a big part of the national team now and in 2010 if Brazil expects to come home with the World Cup.

Luis Fabiano – Fitness has been a recent problem for the Sevilla striker. After a massive season last year in which Luis Fabiano scored 24 goals in La Liga, his production has dropped off to only 4 this year. He has been a favorite of Dunga the past year, and I do not believe going forward that he should be starting over Pato, at least until his form improves.

Jô – After making a huge move to Manchester City, Jô struggled to produce and was subsequently loaned out to Everton in January. He scored twice in his debut for Everton, but since then has been rather quiet. Needless to say, Brazil has better options, including domestically based players who I will discuss below.

Nilmar – I am a big fan of Nilmar, and there is no question in my mind that he deserves a greater opportunity with the national team. Nilmar, who plays for Internacional, was one of the best forwards and important players in the Brazilian Championship. He deserves a spot on the national team undoubtedly.

Amauri – The saga continues. Dunga finally gave the Juventus front man a call to the national team, but only after a deadline had passed which allowed his club to refuse to release the player. I really think if Dunga does not make another attempt at calling him during these upcoming qualifiers he will accept his Italian citizenship and play for the Azzurri.

The Future

Keirrison – “K9” had a big year last season for Coritiba, scoring 21 goals in the Brazilian Championship. After making a move to Palmeiras he already has 9 goals in 6 matches during the Sao Paulo state championship, all at the age of 20. He should be receiving a call up in the immediate future.

Guilherme – The former Cruzeiro striker, who completed a move to Dynamo Kiev last month, scored 18 goals in the Brazilian Championship last year. He too is only 20, and the move the Kiev will hopefully act as a stepping stone to bigger and better clubs.

Walter – The Internacional forward started his recent match that was part of the Rio Grande do Sul state championship. See the review of the Sub 20 tournament for more.