As a nation historically lacking in genuinely world-class central defenders, the timing couldn’t be better for Brazil to now boast two for next year’s homecoming World Cup.
Naturally, Thiago Silva will be leading the side in 2014 and it has oft been assumed that David Luiz will be his partner as the nation’s defensive spine. However, the increasingly impressive Marquinhos, a team-mate of the captain at PSG, has enough time and certainly enough ability to force his way into the starting line-up.
Despite being in the infancy of his career, injuries to Siva have enabled the 19 year-old former Corinthians player an opportunity to play regularly for his new club; at the same time as taking pointers from the man he describes as “my model, my idol” according to goal.com.
Having already notched one cap for Brazil in this year’s extensive friedly series, the young man from Sao Paulo will be anticipating 2014 as the year in which he can really arrive on the global stage and put the inconsistent Luiz under severe pressure.
