Zico has picked his World Cup 2014 team of the tournament so far for the Guardian and has been full of praise for the Brazilians he selected in his XI.
Neymar, Luiz Gustavo and David Luiz were the three players picked from Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team and the former Brazil national team player has hailed the displays of the aforementioned three.
On the superstar of Brazilian football, Neymar, Zico wrote in his Guardian column: “Despite all the pressure, Neymar keeps wanting more. He looks for the ball and never hides in the game.
“His fitness is also amazing and he has bailed the Seleção out a few times. Brazil shouldn’t be so dependent on him but Neymar is not shying away from his huge responsibility. He has got plenty of guts and lots of skill.”
There is no doubt the performances of the 22-year-old has been sensational, especially considering the pressure.
Luiz Gustavo has also shined in all of Seleção’s games and Zico believes he’ll be a huge miss on Friday against Colombia.
He wrote on the defensive midfielder: “One of the best Seleção players so far, I would love to see him being used for more than containment in the Brazil side.
“His passing is good and is as important as his ball-stealing proficiency. Brazil will certainly miss him against Colombia on Friday.”
Whilst the performances of David Luiz have left a good impression on Zico, as the 61-year-old has hailed him as a “lion for Brazil.”
“I am quite impressed by the way he has stepped up to the challenge of playing a World Cup at home,” Zico said on David Luiz.
“He has shown immense confidence and has been a lion for Brazil. He is fearless and has kept his cool when many other players have shown signs of struggling with the expectations put on the team.
“David is classy on the ball and that can be noted when he goes forward – just watch the cross he put on Fred’s head for Brazil’s third goal against Cameroon in the group stage.”
