Brazil goalkeeper Jefferson admits that former Liverpool keeper Diego Cavalieri is deserving of a place in the national team, based on his recent form for Fluminense.
Cavalieri, 29, has been the stand-out goalkeeper of the Brazilian championship so far this year and, following a starring role in Fluminense"s victory over Flamengo this weekend, disbelief over his non-selection has spread.
The goalkeepers included in the squad for the two fixtures with Argentina are Jefferson and Corinthians" Cássio, but there is a widespread belief that Cavalieri should have been selected for the fixtures – a belief echoed by his rival.
“It shows that Brazilian football is well served for goalkeepers," Jefferson told reporters.
“I am not here to compete with anyone, nor to show my work to another goalkeeper or Mano Manezes. I am here as one of the keepers and to do my bit [for the team]
“Whoever is called, we will comply with that. However, I must admit that he [Cavalieri] is having a great season and, because of that, he deserves to be here."
The Botafogo gloveman will captain Brazil for the encounter in Resistência (Arg) on Wednesday, with Brazil looking to protect a 1-0 first-leg advantage, and spoke to reporters about the honour:
“It is often said that we don"t need a team-talk against Argentina," he added. “The climate, the emotion, the motivation, everything is different.
“I am honoured to wear the captain"s armband, which you don"t earn overnight and, yes, I have worked hard for it."
