Rafael da Silva gets Brazil call up for USA friendly
July 27, 2010
United defender Rafael da Silva has been included in new Brazil coach Mano Menezes’ first squad. This is the first time Rafael has been called up for the Brazil senior squad. Brazil play USA in a friendly in August, and United’s young right-back might well be making his debut in this match in New Jersey.
Just four players from Brazil’s World Cup 2010 squad have been retained
by Mano Menezes: Dani Alves, Ramires, Thiago Silva and Robinho. There are total eleven debutants in this revamped 24-man squad. Much to the surprise of many big names like Kaka, Luis Fabiano and Julio Cesar all miss out.
From United’s point Rafael’s inclusion is great news. Rafael has shown talent and class from time to time, but at times he lacks focus which can cost thr team dearly. One such example is the home leg of tie against Bayern Munich last season. Rafael was probably United’s best player on the pitch till the time he was sent off. Hopefully, frequent outings with the national team will bring maturity to his game and we’ll have a long-term replacement for Gary Neville ready just in time.
Goalkeeper: Jefferson (Botafogo), Renan (Avai), Victor (Gremio)
Defenders: Andre Santos (Fenerbahce), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Rafael da Silva (Manchester United), David Luis (Benfica), Henrique (Racing Santander), Rever (Atletico Mineiro), Thiago Silva (AC Milan)
Midfielders: Carlos Eduardo (Hoffenheim), Ederson (Lyon), Paulo Henrique Ganso (Santos), Hernanes (Sao Paulo), Jucilei (Corinthians), Lucas Leiva (Liverpool), Ramires (Benfica), Sandro (Internacional)
Forwards: Alexandre Pato (AC Milan), Andre (Santos), Diego Tardelli (Atletico Mineiro), Neymar (Santos), Robinho (Santos, on loan from Manchester City)
am happy for him. Rafael is a good player