Reserves Like Fernandinho Stand Out

04/23/2014 - 10h56

If we pay close attention to the reserve list that Luiz Felipe Scolari is likely to have in the World Cup, we can see high level athletes who can "steal" the spot from one of the team's starting eleven.

That would not be news neither to a World Cup nor to the coach.

In 2002, Emerson was injured after being drafted to the World Cup final, and Kleberson, who was 22 back then, was added to the line-up during the contest (at first, Juninho Paulista was given the spot).

Fernandinho, from Manchester City, is an example that a player can still became one of the first eleven even when he is about to lose hope of playing the Cup. In spite of enjoying a great phase for the English club, he only had one chance with Felipão, during a friendly match against South Africa, in March 5.

He performed so well that now there are rumours he could replace Paulinho, who faces a bad period for Tottenham.

Fernandinho told Folha "He [Paulinho] already made his name in the national team, was champion for the Confederations' Cup [2013] and nowadays works for Tottenham. However, sometimes is nice to the team if a player has a shadow", Fernandinho told Folha.

He might be within the 23 players Felipão will announce in May 7 and will be an option as a first or second midfielder. He left Ukraine Shakhtar Donetsk last year exactly because he wanted to stand out in the English football, the best showcase for the World Cup.

"I always thought one could have a chance, even without much experience in the national team. I bet on it and it worked out. My name was in the penultimate list".

Two Chelsea players are also enjoying a great phase. Ramires is another option as a second midfielder, but Felipão can draft him as a less offensive midfielder, replacing Hulk, for example.

Willian, who is doing a good job, fights his Chelsea mate Oscar (Felipão's first option) for a spot.

In the defence, Dante experiences an exceptional moment playing for the world's best club, Bayern Munich.

David Luiz is dissatisfied as a Chelsea midfielder (he plays as a defender for the national team), so it would be reasonable to consider some changes on the eve of the event.

Finally, there is also Jô, whose performance for Atlético-MG is good. He will be Fred's shadow, who is in a bad phase.

Translated by JULIANA CALDERARI

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	Darren Staples/Reuters
	Manchester City's Fernandinho celebrates after scoring a goal against Sunderland