TacticalLens

Dedicated to Brazilian Football & Real Madrid |Tactics • Squad Analysis • Player Scouting • Future Stars

[TacticalLens @TacticalLens1]

Since Coutinho came on, Santos have added three clear things to their game:

Creative quality
Immediate attacking impact
Combination play

Now imagine Neymar and Coutinho in the same XI.

What does Neymar need to get back to his best?

A partner with elite football IQ who understands him, reads his movements, and anticipates his intentions. That’s something Santos’ previous players didn’t always offer him.

But with Philippe Coutinho there, the Neymar-Coutinho partnership could become a serious problem for any opponent in South America.

If Coutinho takes more responsibility for creation, Neymar can play a much more scoring-oriented role.

Before, Neymar had to carry almost everything: creation, build-up and scoring. Coutinho’s arrival can take some of that burden away and make Neymar more relaxed, sharper and more dangerous.

That’s why this was a dream signing for Santos. And after the last game, it looks even clearer.

When Neymar was asked about signing Coutinho, his answer was simple: “It’s a dream signing.”

#Neymar #Coutinho #SantosFC

[TacticalLens @TacticalLens1]

Mauro Junior is excellent at ball progression, but I didnt expect him to win people over this much with his defensive work too.

For the amount of game time he got, he defended really well, and his defensive awareness was excellent.

Ryan Williams had basically beaten Pedro Morisco with that shot, but Mauro Junior was already covering the far post. That’s defensive awareness, and that was an outstanding goal-line clearance.

He also gave Australia a really tough time in ground duels in the previous game. Today, coming on in the second half, he produced another brilliant goal-line clearance.

You could call him an upgraded version of Douglas Santos. Mauro Junior is also very good with his passing and crossing, although when Vinicius is playing on the left wing, a left-back doesnt get as many opportunities to cross.

Still, Mauro Junior can be very useful when needed. Brazil should keep him around the national team.

Until Brazil finds better full-back options than Vanderson and Mauro Junior, I think both should remain the first-choice op

[TacticalLens @TacticalLens1]

If players like Breno Bidon or Martinelli can’t even start against India, then how are they supposed to prove themselves?

At some point we can’t keep using the excuse that Brazil simply doesn’t have enough quality midfielders.

I also dont really understand why Danilo Santos needs to start every single match. Bidon could easily have started this game instead.

Anyway, what do you guys think about the XI?

#Brazil #BrazilNT #Selecao

[TacticalLens @TacticalLens1]

Porto sold a bench player for €52M and brought in a Brazilian teenager for just €11M as his replacement.

Then he made his debut last night and immediately had the entire fanbase — basically the whole country — praising him. Porto’s president deserves a separate round of applause for this business.

What a brilliant business model. What a brilliant player choice.

Brazilian wonderkid Gabriel Mec came on for Porto in the second half of a friendly against Deportivo La Coruña and immediately changed the game with his pace, acceleration and excellent passing.

Another Brazilian, João Victor Souza, also had a very impressive game alongside Mec.

When Grêmio sold Gabriel Mec to Porto for just €11M, I posted that it was a massive mistake. I even said Porto would sell him for at least €50M within 2/1 seasons.

And honestly, I still stand by it.

#GabrielMec #BrazilianFootball #BrazilianTalent

[TacticalLens @TacticalLens1]

The weather was probably a big factor in why Brazil’s players didnt look completely comfortable today, and the pitch may have played a part too.

Still, 4-0 is not a bad result. Maybe Brazil could have scored 6 or 7 with a better performance, but honestly, that doesnt make a huge difference.

The most important thing for me was seeing how Martinelli and Bidon performed.

Martinelli is a very quality on-the-ball midfielder. Especially when the opposition presses him, he looks even better. This is exactly the type of midfielder who can make a difference in big tournaments by helping Brazil control the midfield.

Bidon was used as a winger today, so he couldnt drop deep as much as I wanted. Even then, he tried to drop inside and play 1 or 2 line-breaking passes, and that looked promising.

If Bidon gets the same role Danilo plays, I think Vinicius could receive even better ball supply from him.

The biggest positive of this FIFA window for me is Samuel Lino. His quality is obvious — dribbling, shooting, pace and skill. Brazil should definitely keep him around.

I wasnt very impressed with Pedro either, and overall Endrick didnt convince me either.

Pedro’s link-up play is still too weak, while Endrick’s decision-making and composure need a lot of improvement.

For the Brazil national team, I dont think either of them is ready yet.

#Brazil #BrazilNT #Selecao

[TacticalLens @TacticalLens1]

You’ve probably had this question in your head at least once, but maybe never found a convincing answer.

David Ancelotti explained it pretty clearly, and it actually makes a lot of sense.

Vinicius is constantly involved in controversies. He reacts a lot, he’s emotional, he gets triggered easily, etc.

But have you ever noticed Vinicius having a genuinely bad relationship with one of his teammates?

Look at the Mbappe situation. Fans constantly create rivalry and drama between them, yet we’ve never really seen a problem between Vinicius and Mbappe.

Mbappe helps Vinicius get back into form, while Vinicius also helps Mbappe score goals.

Even Real Madrid as a club consistently stands behind Vinicius and supports him.

David Ancelotti explained why:

“Vini is a team-first player. He always puts his team and teammates first. That’s why nobody dislikes him.”

That probably tells you more about Vinicius as a person than all the controversies ever could.

#ViniciusJr #ViniJr #RealMadrid

[TacticalLens @TacticalLens1]

A 19-year-old, 6'0" scoring-focused playmaker with a €100m release clause.

Liverpool, PSG and Parma have already shown interest, with Palmeiras reportedly rejecting a €4m loan offer from Parma. He also produced a brilliant long-ball assist for Brazil U-20 yesterday.

He has already made his senior debut for Palmeiras. His game is heavily attack-oriented, but he can also supply the ball from deeper areas and is a very good finisher.

He feels most comfortable playing behind the striker as a second striker, much like Rivaldo. His playing style and attacking instincts have already earned him the nickname “the new Rivaldo.”

My only concern is that he could end up overlooked, like Anderson Talisca, whose profile was also quite similar.

Hopefully, this is a player who gets on Carlo’s radar soon.

#Brazil

[TacticalLens @TacticalLens1]

The situation was initially looking like Mourinho was being forced to consider benching Vinicius, with reports circulating in the media that he could be dropped.

But now, it’s a complete U-turn.

Mourinho has changed his stance, especially after seeing Vinicius’ performance in his second game under Carlo.

He now feels confident that Vinicius can bounce back.

And honestly, this is exactly what I wanted to see. Let Carlo show Mourinho how to use Vinicius properly and get him back to his best.

#ViniciusJr #Brazil #Ancelotti

[TacticalLens @TacticalLens1]

His club have set a massive €200m release clause to keep this 18-year-old, 6'0" forward away from Europe’s biggest clubs.

Domestic sides like Corinthians, along with several European giants, continue to make enquiries about him.

He made his senior debut in Brazilian football at just 16, and this high-potential forward could become the most expensive Brazilian teenager ever transferred to Europe, potentially breaking the records set by Endrick and Vinicius Jr.

As a player, he’s a true space attacker. Comfortable with both feet, explosive pace and acceleration, excellent dribbling, and the fearlessness to attack from wide or central areas and finish the move himself.

His full player profile is pinned in the comments.

#Brazil #BrazilianFootball

[TacticalLens @TacticalLens1]

I really liked this news.

Ancelotti is reportedly planning to give more game time against India to the players who had limited minutes against Australia.

Here’s who barely featured against Australia:

◉ Pedro Morisco — 0 minutes
◉ Breno Bidon — 3 minutes
◉ Arthur Dias — 3 minutes
◉ Martinelli — 7 minutes
◉ Pedro — 26 minutes
◉ Douglas Luiz — 29 minutes
◉ Samuel Lino — 33 minutes
So we could see all of them getting significantly more minutes against India.
I really like this approach. It gives the less-tested players a proper opportunity while also allowing Carlo to assess more options before making his next decisions.
What do you think?
#Brazil #BrazilNT #Selecao #BrazilVsIndia

[TacticalLens @TacticalLens1]

Will Bruno Fernandes’ dream ever come true?

Portugal’s FA reportedly fears the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo retiring and is preparing to meet with him in an attempt to convince him to continue.

Ronaldo’s influence goes far beyond the pitch. Reports claim that around 76% of Portugal’s revenue is linked to Ronaldo’s name, meaning his retirement could have a major financial impact on the federation.

So Bruno might have to wait a little longer for that captain’s armband.

#CristianoRonaldo #Portugal

[TacticalLens @TacticalLens1]

India have spent a lot of money to bring Brazil over, so there could potentially be a clause in the contract requiring certain star players to feature.

Otherwise, against a team like India, I’d expect Carlo to start with mostly younger players.

That said, this is NOT the confirmed XI. These were today’s training XI.

André Santos and Endrick were also tested alongside these 11 players. Usually, Carlo’s training XI on the day before a match gives us a strong indication of the team he will actually start the next day.

So, realistically, Carlo could be choosing his best XI from these 13 players.

#Brazil #BrazilNT #BrazilVsIndia #Selecao

[TacticalLens @TacticalLens1]

In the last game, I saw a pure deep-lying instinct in Mathias Martinelli.

The way he passed, repositioned himself and immediately opened a new passing option felt like watching an elite deep-lying playmaker controlling the build-up from deep.

Martinelli definitely deserves a chance at No. 6 against India.

Breno Bidon got very little game time, but his touches, carries and quick releases already showed the profile of a press-resistant midfielder. Now he needs minutes, and from what I’ve heard, Carlo is ready to give him that.

There’s not much left to say about Bontempo. He’s already had the chance to win everyone over, and the feedback has been very positive. His creativity and final-third connections make giving him minutes against India almost essential.

As for André Santos and Douglas Luiz, I wouldn’t start either of them against India. There’s nothing new to evaluate with them right now. This game should be about testing the players who still have something to prove.

#Brazil #BrazilNT #Selecao

[TacticalLens @TacticalLens1]

The decision CBF is making right now is actually something Carlo Ancelotti had already talked about publicly.

I’m not sure whether CBF’s decision was directly influenced by Carlo’s observations and recommendations, but his message was clear: gradually reduce the number of foreign players in Brazilian leagues and create more opportunities for local talent, especially young players.

Now CBF has announced that from 2027 to 2030, the number of foreign players allowed in matchday squads will be reduced by one each year. The current limit is 9, which will eventually drop to 5 by 2030.

Clubs will also be allowed to register 50 players, with 25 required to be U-23.

That means more opportunities for young Brazilian players to develop and compete at senior level.

And hopefully, Brazil’s young talents won’t have to play out of position just to get minutes.

#Brazil #BrazilianFootball #CBF

[TacticalLens @TacticalLens1]

Mycael is currently the goalkeeper with the most penalty saves in the Brasileirão this season.

The 22-year-old has been called up to Brazil training camps several times, with multiple national team coaches monitoring his development.

But without consistency at club level and enough senior experience, a senior Brazil debut would have been premature. That’s why he still hasn’t made his debut.

Now the situation is different. He’s getting regular game time, performing consistently, and showing he’s ready for the next step.

There’s now growing talk in the Brazilian media that Mycael could finally receive a senior Brazil call-up in the next squad.

#Mycael #Brazil

[TacticalLens @TacticalLens1]

Brazilian football is not short of talent. The real challenge is having a coach who knows how to use the right player in the right role.

From the young players I’ve seen in this squad, almost everyone apart from the goalkeeper looks technically very promising, with huge potential.

Take Arthur Dias, for example. He’s only 19 and his club have already rejected a €24m bid from Tottenham. He’s on Barcelona’s scouting shortlist and has reportedly caught Deco’s eye too. On top of that, nine more clubs are interested:

• Barcelona
• Tottenham
• Benfica
• Atlético Madrid
• Bayer Leverkusen
• RB Leipzig
• Newcastle
• Brentford
• Nottingham Forest
• Atalanta
• Como
Carlo has also praised Arthur, although he has given more priority to Vitor Reis and Cunha for now, mainly because replacing Marquinhos seems to be his bigger concern.
Arthur Dias could therefore remain part of Brazil’s future plans as a potential backup to Gabriel.
Brazil really doesn’t lack talent. It’s about putting the right players in the right roles.
#Brazil #BrazilNT #ArthurDias

[TacticalLens @TacticalLens1]

Bruno Fernandes 🗣️ “If Portugal want me to be captain, I’m ready to take the armband.”

Come on, we all know you want that armband.

Rúben Dias 🗣️ “I know why Ronaldo left the camp. We should teach the younger players how to respect legendary players.”

Rúben Dias and Bruno Fernandes clearly have huge influence within this Portugal squad. Ronaldo may still be the captain, but these two are among the most influential voices in the dressing room.

So if a young player is disrespecting Ronaldo, it’s hard to believe that happens without some influence from the senior figures around the team.

#ronaldo #brunofernandes

[TacticalLens @TacticalLens1]

If Barcelona are really monitoring Estêvão, I honestly don’t think that should be his next move.

Chelsea is still the better environment for his development — but only if Xabi Alonso can find a way to give him consistent game time.

There’s still time to see if Xabi can make that work. If not, a loan or even a permanent move next window could make sense.

Just not Barcelona. He needs a club where he can actually play and develop, not another situation where his path to minutes could be blocked.#Estevao #XabiAlonso

[TacticalLens @TacticalLens1]

Raphinha has returned to Barcelona for treatment, while Vinicius Jr. and Bruno Guimarães could start against India. Endrick and Estêvão are also expected to get minutes.

But does Bruno really need another workload in this game?

André Santos or even Martinelli could’ve been used instead. This feels like the perfect match to manage Bruno’s minutes and give others a proper test.
#Carloancelotti #BrazilNationalTeam

[TacticalLens @TacticalLens1]

@FabrizioRomano You can tell there’s a genuine bond between Ronaldo and Veiga. Whatever is going on around the team, their respect for each other is pretty clear.