Tite Admits Left-Back Dilemma as Alex Sandro Impresses and Ederson Adds to Goalkeeper Conundrum

Brazil coach Tite admits that the performances of Juventus left-back Alex Sandro have left him with a dilemma for his World Cup squad. The Juve full-back has been behind Marcelo and Filipe Luis in the pecking order. However, both players were injured for October qualifiers against Bolivia and Chile, handing Alex Sandro his chance and […]
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sambafoot_admin
2017-10-16 20:40:00

Brazil coach Tite admits that the performances of Juventus left-back Alex Sandro have left him with a dilemma for his World Cup squad. The Juve full-back has been behind Marcelo and Filipe Luis in the pecking order.

However, both players were injured for October qualifiers against Bolivia and Chile, handing Alex Sandro his chance and the Juve man impressed. I can not define the squad yet,” Tite cautioned.

“As Carlo Ancelotti says, a situation can change by a hair, almost a detail. Marcelo, Filipe Luís and Alex Sandro- being absolutely sincere, I’m going to sleep with this dilemma now.”

The Seleção coach urged all three players to continue to push one another until the final call is made, “They have to compete loyally, cooperating with the team, and we will follow the games. The moment will determine.

“I’m not handing out bouquets. Praise that is not true is worthless. Our job is to follow the professionals justly.”

Tite also had praise for Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, who kept a clean sheet in the 3-0 win over Chile on Tuesday, “The goalkeeper position is not closed either.

“Ederson has a throw that we can use. He has a rehearsed move with Gabriel Jesus at Manchester City that we used against Chile that took Jesus right in front of goal. But we have several top level players in this position.”

Ederson was only called into Tite’s squad for the first time in September, but his excellent form since joining Manchester City has not gone unnoticed. His ability with his feet and his excellent distribution are also a valuable commodity.

Current first choice Alisson has never entirely convinced, though he now has the number 1 shirt at his club Roma. He has held the position since late 2015, when Botafogo stopper Jefferson was dropped for an error strewn display in Chile at the outset of the qualifying campaign.

Alisson was seen as the future at the time by Dunga, a far from complete option, but somebody that could develop into the role. But Ederson’s form at Benfica brought him to the attention of Pep Guardiola and now he appears to have caught Tite’s eye too.

Ederson has Gabriel Jesus and Fernandinho as teammates at club level too, which is important for players that have to cover long distances for international football. The trio would fly together for games, further building their camaraderie.

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