Name: Dani Alves
Age: 31
Position: Right-back
Club: Barcelona
Caps [goals]: 73 [5]
Dani Alves has been a regular in the Brazil national team since his debut in 2006 and was a starter in Luiz Felipe Scolari first game back in his second spell in charge of the national team. The Barcelona man is a certainty to start in this summer’s World Cup and is a huge player for Felipão. His attacking prowess will crucial if Brazil are to win their home World Cup.
Why has he been selected?
Alves selection has never been in doubt, although speculation over his club future may be a concern for Scolari. The Barcelona man was colossal during the 2013 Confederations Cup and will have to replicate those performances this summer. Felipão knows he can trust Alves and although the 31-year-old is an excellent player, he is also hugely popular in the dressing room.
How has he played this season?
On the pitch Alves has been excellent as usual, however recently the defender has suffered from racism in Spain and it lead to a world wide campaign among footballers on social media site Twitter. The Brazilian will hope to continue his high performances and ensure the off-field issues don’t effect him.
What will his role be in Brazil?
Alves will be a regular in Scolari’s team assuming he doesn’t pick up any injuries and expect to see him bombing down the right time after time creating goals for his team mates.
