Brazil manager Tite has admitted that Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino is worthy of more opportunities on the international scene.
Firmino was restricted to substitute appearances during the 2018 World Cup with Tite opting to use Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus as his first choice forward in Russia. In defense of Jesus, he did start during Brazil’s World Cup qualification campaign and was worthy of a place in the World Cup squad. However, in the end, his inexperience got the better off him, as he failed to find the back of the net in Russia and attracted scathing criticism.
As a result of Jesus’ World Cup failures, he was not selected for the Brazil squad to play in the friendlies against the US and El Salvador. Instead, the number nine role was handed to Firmino.
The Liverpool man grabbed the opportunity with both hands during Brazil’s game against the US on Friday, as he scored a goal, while Neymar grabbed another to allow the Selecao to record a 2-0 victory.
Despite Jesus having failed in Brazil, he is still only 21-years-old and will continue to get better. The youngster has been on good form for Manchester City so far this season and based on his talent, he should make a return to national team duty in the near future.
Tite has a good dilemma on his hands as he can choose between two of the best forwards in World football to be his first choice number nine. Right now, it is Firmino who deserves opportunities.
Tite told reporters: “Roberto Firmino and Douglas Costa deserve more chances.”
