Name: Jefferson
Age: 31
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Botafogo
Caps [goals]: 9[0]
Jefferson was first selected by Luiz Felipe Scolari for Brazil’s friendly with Chile in April 2013 and has been ever-present since. The 31 year-old fought off competition from Diego Alves and Diego Cavalieri for his place and has benefited from being involved in last summer’s Confederations Cup victory, with Felipão preferring to stay loyal to the core of that squad. Jefferson’s is renowned as a reliable and very agile goalkeeper, who has especially impressive reactions.
Why has he been selected?
Jefferson is an experienced goalkeeper, who has been consistently excellent for Botafogo since joining them from Torku Konyaspor in 2009. His performances in the 2013 Brasileirão lead some to suggest that he should be Brazil’s first choice goalkeeper at the World Cup. While that will not be the case, Felipão knows he has a strong, dependable goalkeeper on standby.
How has he played this season?
Botafogo’s start to the new season has been mixed. In the Copa Libertadores, they finished bottom of their group, with Jefferson keping two clean sheets, but conceding seven goals. In the Brasileirão, he has kept one clean sheet across four matches, but was excellent in Sunday’s 6-0 win against Criciúma.
What will his role be in Brazil?
Jefferson will likely be the first reserve to Júlio César. He won’t be expected to see much, if any action, but can be relied upon if injury or suspension rules out César.
