Only three players have scored more goals in the Premier League than João Pedro this season, and that list gets cut down to just one if we only look at non-penalty goals. That one player is Erling Haaland.
After that, it’s JP and Antoine Semenyo with 15 each, followed closely by Igor Thiago at 14. Semenyo has one penalty, Thiago has eight (8!). In fact, no player has scored more goals from the spot than Igor Thiago. For that, he’s been rewarded with a spot on the Brazil national football team for the World Cup (and rightly so, at the end of the day). João Pedro, meanwhile, has been officially left at home. And there’s nothing right about that. The second best goalscorer in the Premier League has not been picked to go to the World Cup.
Make it make sense, Uncle Carlo!
So Brazil roll into the tournament with practically just one striker, the aforementioned Thiago, and a large collection of wingers and such, including the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Endrick, Rayan (of Bournemouth), and even Luiz Henrique from the Russian league. An absolute slap in the face for JP. Neymar’s inclusion has drawn a lot of attention, but that one I understand, if for nothing else, than just the legendary vibes.
On the plus side, JP can have a nice long summer of rest and be ready to score more goals next season. Maybe he can hang out with Andrey Santos as well, who’s been left off the squad — though that decision comes as far less of a surprise. Thiago Silva is also staying at home unfortunately. All three had been on the provisional list.
So, no Chelsea players, current of past in the Seleção. Lame.
GOALKEEPERS: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Grêmio)
DEFENDERS: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibañez (Al-Ahli), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (Roma)
MIDFIELDERS: Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad) e Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo);
FORWARDS: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vini Jr. (Real Madrid)
