Name: Paulinho
Age: 25
Position: Midfielder
Club: Tottenham Hotspur
Caps: [goals]: 24 [5]
Paulinho has been involved with the national team prominently since Mano Menezes handed him a debut in 2011 and that has remained under the leadership of Luiz Felipe Scolari. The Spurs midfielder was voted the 3rd best player in the Confederations Cup last year and always excels with Seleção.
Why has he been selected?
The 25-year-old is a driving force in Scolari’s midfield and his energy, alongside his excellent pressing, are key attributes the Brazil manager loves. Paulinho has also developed a handy habit of scoring crucial goals and is sure to be in the starting eleven in June.
How has he played this season?
It has been a mixed first campaign for Paulinho in England. He started well initially at Tottenham but struggled during the latter half of the season, although he did still manage to score six times in the Premier League.
What will his role be in Brazil?
There is little doubt that Paulinho will start for Scolari this summer and will be tasked with supporting the forward’s in attacking areas as well as covering defensively. The all action midfielder was one of the stars of the Confederation Cup triumph and will hope to perform as well in the World Cup.
