Botafogo striker Igor Jesus will start in Thursday’s match against Chile in the World Cup qualifiers
Striker Igor Jesus, from Botafogo, was confirmed as a starter for the Brazilian team for the duel against Chile this Thursday (10/10), valid for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He replaces Endrick, who will miss a place in the main team. During a press conference, coach Dorival Júnior justified the choice and explained the factors that led to the change in attack.
“I believe that Igor Jesus’ moment is very interesting. Endrick is still adapting, looking for his place at the biggest club in world football, facing enormous competition. Even so, he has shown his talent. However, everything depends on the right moment for him to establish himself in the team. For this match, Igor’s experience and moment could be decisive”, highlighted Dorival.
Dorival explains changes in playing style
In addition to the change in attacking command, Dorival Júnior revealed that the Brazilian team will also have adjustments to its playing style in relation to previous matches. The coach highlighted the importance of making the most of the talents of players like Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and Raphinha, who play fundamental tactical roles.
“From the first call up, the idea was always to explore the best we had. Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior playing between the full-backs and defenders, with Raphinha as the third man in the middle, helping with the recovery. However, we continue to look for adjustments. In the games against England and Spain, we had a good creation, but we still need refinements. We never give up on a centralized striker, who is not a fixed reference, but who moves and appears in the area for shots”, explained the coach.
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Dorival Júnior compares Igor Jesus to Pedro do Flamengo
The choice of Igor Jesus, according to Dorival, is due to the athlete’s game characteristics, which brings mobility to the attack without losing the ability to complete. The coach made a point of highlighting that this movement is fundamental to the style of play that the Seleção intends to implement.
“Both Igor Jesus and Pedro have this ability to get out of position and appear at the right time to finish. They move well and know how to position themselves, without being stuck as a fixed reference. This characteristic could be the solution to the attack we are looking for”, stated Dorival.
Endrick, considered one of the biggest promises in Brazilian football, has not yet managed to fully establish himself in Dorival Júnior’s team. According to the coach, the young striker, who recently transferred to one of the biggest clubs in the world, is in a process of adaptation and evolution, facing natural challenges of those who are consolidating themselves on the international scene.
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