Recently, the Brazilian team announced the 26-man squad, which also caused a lot of controversy, and to the surprise of many fans, Firmino was kicked out of the squad and did not participate in the World Cup at the end of the month.
Firmino was part of the squad on the international match day at the end of September, but Tite did not let him play against Ghana and Tunisia, and perhaps the Brazil manager had already decided to give up Firmino. In both warm-up matches, Tite let Richarlison play as a centre-forward, and although the Tottenham striker is still recovering from injury, it does not affect his participation in the World Cup.
This time, the Brazilian team has an unimaginable number of wingers. Tite brought Neymar, Vinicius, Rodrigo, Rafinha, Martinelli and Anthony, and even Jesus and Richarlison, all forwards with winger attributes, and this World Cup, Brazil may play no striker at any time, allowing wingers to take turns cutting inside to attack opponents.
Among so many players, Anthony's selection is quite controversial. He joined Manchester United for nearly 100 million euros this summer, making 11 appearances so far, scoring three goals, Anthony previously played for Ajax, scoring 12 goals and 11 goals in two full seasons, very average, so his Premier League goals, I believe many fans will not look forward to too much.
What is even more unacceptable to Manchester United fans is that Anthony, as a right winger, has little ability to break through. In the game, the Brazilian genius relies more on inside shots to show his presence. Manchester United used such a high price to buy a winger who will not break through, I wonder what Ten Hag thinks?
Of course, Anthony also has his own unique skill, which is to go in circles. In the Europa League, Anthony once received the ball on the field, turning in place 720 degrees, which caused heated discussions at the time, because although his action was full of spectatorship, it had no practical significance, and I believe that in the next World Cup, as long as he has the opportunity to play, Anthony will show his signature moves to fans around the world at any time.
In Brazil's frontcourt, this time there were nine selections, of which Anthony was the most controversial, most likely squeezed out Firmino and finally named to the final 26-man squad. In fact, Brazil's right winger is not short (Rafinha and Rodrigo can play), Tite chose Anthony, it is better to give Firmino a chance, compared to Jesus and Richarlison, he is the traditional center, if you play a tough battle, Firmino is very useful, plus he actively counter-tackles in the front, the role of the Brazilian team is much greater than Anthony.
Seeing the news that he was selected for the Brazilian squad, Anthony jumped up excitedly, and then hugged his friends. For him, this is a recognition of strength. However, the 22-year-old Brazilian talent may have few opportunities to play in the World Cup, because Brazil has no shortage of wingers up front and has a large number of appearances, ahead of him. I believe Anthony himself knows that he will wait quietly for the opportunity and hope to prove himself!