Name: Bernard
Age: 21
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Club: Shakhtar Donetsk
Caps[goals]: 10 [1]
Youngster Bernard made his mark in Brazil playing for Atletico Mineiro, where he helped them win the 2013 Copa Libertadores. His performances earned him a big money move to Ukraine, with Shakhtar fending off English Premier League interest from Arsenal and agreeing to splash out a reported €25 million for the player.
Why has he been selected?
Boss Luiz Felipe Scolari sees Bernard as his game-changer; if Brazil are toiling with little time on the clock, the manager wants the little playmaker to make the difference and firmly believes he can- overlooking the likes of Robinho and Kaka in the process.
How has he played this season?
Bernard joined Shakhtar in the European close season last year, but has impressed suitably in his first term alongside the Ukranian team"s Brazilian contingent. They have effectively won the league, leading as they do by six points from Dnipro, but with a superior goal difference.
What will his role be in Brazil?
Bernard will be used by Scolari when needed, in terms of sparking Selecao into life; or when Brazil are trying to close out a comfortable victory. This World Cup will still be a learning curve for the player, but he is fancied by the boss and will expect to get game time.
