Brazil winger Rayan makes 'very good impression' on Ancelotti
Friendlies · Brazil
Carlo Ancelotti says Rayan has made a “very good impression” in training, with the Bournemouth winger being tested in a midfield role ahead of Brazil’s friendly against Japan.
The Selecao face Japan on Saturday before taking on Singapore for the first time on November 17, as Ancelotti continues to experiment with younger players.
Rayan earned a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad in the summer, recording one assist, and scored a stoppage-time equaliser against Australia during the last international break.
The Bournemouth winger has impressed since Neymar’s reduced role and eventual retirement. But with Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Estevao occupying the attacking roles, a place in midfield could offer Rayan another route into the side.
Ancelotti tried him on the left of midfield in training ahead of the Japan match and was encouraged by his response.
“Rayan gave me, personally, a very good impression, because he is a player who has a lot of potential, strong, committed, focused on the game.”
“We did tests in training to see the players in different positions, we tested Rayan in this position, as a left midfielder,” Ancelotti said.
“He did a good job, he showed that he can play there, just like Andrey [Santos] can.”
The Brazil coach stopped short of confirming his selection for Japan, saying: “I have the names in mind, but I don’t want to say them.”
He added: “The truth is that Rayan can also play there; it’s something new for him, but I think it could be an opportunity for him, and also for the national team, to have a player with this type of characteristic.”
Japan reunion follows World Cup drama
Brazil face Japan after knocking them out in the World Cup round of 32 in the summer, when Gabriel Martinelli scored a stoppage-time winner.
Their previous friendly, in October 2025, went Japan’s way: they came back from two goals down to beat Ancelotti’s side 3-2.
