Botafogo keeper Jefferson has praised his young defensive colleague Dória, saying he believes he has the potential to play for the Seleção.
The defender turned 18 on Thursday but is already showing he has an old head on young shoulders.
Jefferson told Globo Esporte: “He lives near my home, so I have congratulated him early. It’s a hard working young boy and he has the head to guide towards a promising future, to reach the level of the Brazilian national team.”
The player himself has not been shielded from the limelight, but appears to have taken it all in his stride.
Speaking to reporters this week he said: “Do not look at me differently from the others because I’m 17. They could treat me differently because of it but If I’m here it is to be treated the same way as the more experienced players. We are all in search for victories as a group.
“In football, you will not always be able to stop all strikers. We always want to defend well and to not let the goals in. You stay concentrated all the time.”
