New Faces Galore as Menezes Names Squad

Mano Menezes performed his first duties as coach of the seleção today, picking a squad of 24 players (to be trimmed to 23) for the friendly with the USA on August 10th. As expected, the majority of the World Cup squad has been left out, meaning that the group includes an intriguing set of new faces.

There was a first senior call-up for former U-17 star Rafael.

The full list is as follows;

Victor (Grêmio)
Renan (Avaí)
Jefferson (Botafogo)

Rafael (Manchester United)
Daniel Alves (Barcelona)
André Santos (Fenerbahce)
Marcelo (Real Madrid)
Thiago Silva (Milan)
Réver (Atlético-MG)
Davis Luiz (Benfica)
Henrique (Racing Santander)

Lucas (Liverpool)
Jucilei (Corinthians)
Sandro (Internacional)
Hernanes (São Paulo)
Ramires (Benfica)
Carlos Eduardo (Hoffenheim)
Éderson (Lyon)
Paulo Henrique Ganso (Santos)

Robinho (Santos)
Neymar (Santos)
André (Santos)
Alexandre Pato (Milan)
Diego Tardelli (Atlético-MG)

Most notable, perhaps, is the selection of four Santos attackers; strikers André, Neymar, and Robinho, and midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso. Surprisingly (to me at least), Menezes has picked only one of his former Corinthians charges - energetic utility man Jucilei. Elias, Jorge Henrique, and Dentinho will be disappointed not to make the list. Either Sandro or Hernanes will be left out of the group to travel, depending on whether it's Inter or São Paulo who progress to the final of the Copa Libertadores.

Avaí goalkeeper Renan, excellent in recent weeks, has earnt his first call-up, as have a host of others. Éderson, an attacking midfielder with Lyon, and ex-Wolfsburg defender Réver count as the main surprises of the selection, along with Henrique, currently with Racing Santander in Spain. Call-ups for Rafael da Silva, Manchester United's young right-back, and Benfica defender David Luiz could provide indications of the future shape of Brazil's defence.