Wesley will be key to Brazil’s World Cup aspirations — here’s why
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Brazil have put a lot of faith in Carlo Ancelotti’s abilities to make a group of players function as a coherent unit in pursuit of that sixth World Cup trophy.
The result is a squad that is unquestionably attack-heavy, as well as littered with names across the board that have been picked on the basis of legacy alongside those who have made the cut on the back of their recent form.
One such player is Roma’s Wesley, who made himself virtually unavoidable with performances in the second half of the season and now finds himself in the Seleção in a rather unique predicament.
Brazil do not have an out-and-out right-back who plays in that position week in, week out for his club side and is in the prime of his career. Wesley is coming off a season that in which he mostly played as a left-wingback for Roma. Now, he will be tasked to share the right-back duties alongside Al-Ahli’s Roger Ibañez, who is primarily a centre-back.
One could say Danilo is also there, and the 34-year-old was first and foremost a right-back in his prime. And while he still occasionally moved out to right while representing Brazil, these days he plays at centre-back for Flamengo.
The plan on the right side of defence looks clear for Ancelotti: pick Wesley to bolster attack, and go with Ibañez to shore up the defence, with Danilo an option if need be. Two options. Neither usual occupiers of that spot. But, if the teams clicks as a unit, could define their careers going forward.
Brazil’s defence will have to do a lot of the heavy-lifting to make sure those attackers — most of whom are undoubtedly talented, albeit often carrying patchy form — are able to express themselves as comfortably as a Canarinho on the World Cup stage. That right-back position will become key, and young Wesley will be tasked to do a lot. The attack-minded 22-year-old defender here has the chance to show what he can do when the pressure reaches its peak and defence becomes the order of the day.
Most Roma players have seen their stock risen on the back of a sensation end to the season. Next season, the Giallorossi will be expected to have a stronger squad and put up better performances as they return to Champions League nights. Before that, Wesley in particular has the chance to make himself the heir apparent to that right-back throne that has been crying for a long-term taker for years.
Anshuman Joshi | GIFN
