Globo: Ancelotti Tests Ederson as Right-Back at Brazil

Brazil national team head coach Carlo Ancelotti has developed a creative solution to the injury crisis in his squad. According to Globo Esporte, the Italian manager tested Atalanta's Ederson at right-back in the last training session held at camp. Although the 26-year-old Brazilian plays at midfield in Serie A, he became a critical piece in Ancelotti's search for a new tactical formula on the board.

Behind this move lies a concrete necessity. Brazil's official right-back Wesley sustained an adductor muscle injury to his left thigh in the 17th minute of the last warm-up match against Egypt, which ended 2-1. The official statement from the Brazilian Football Confederation CBF after the MRI revealed that the 23-year-old AS Roma defender would miss the entire World Cup. This painful loss also created the first disappointment on the stage; Wesley left the field with emotional images.

Ancelotti turned to a different move rather than a classic right-back transfer. He called Ederson into the Brazil squad from the reserve list; the player, with an agreement reached with Manchester United for €40.5 million fixed + €4.5 million performance-based bonus, was one of the three important building blocks of Atalanta's midfield in recent seasons. His former Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini said at a press conference about the player, "In terms of physicality, regains and the timing of his runs, Ederson is definitely an extraordinary player."

Ancelotti's approach in Wednesday's training session is open to be read as a clear tactical manifesto. Globo Esporte reported that the player was tested at right-back, noting that the Italian manager resorted to this experiment both to support the defensive line and in search of progressing the ball faster in Brazil's transition game. Ederson's physical strength, ability to do high-tempo basket pressing and capability of taking up space alongside the ball in transition provide a solid foundation for the modern right-back profile.

The two names standing out as the main choice at right-back are Danilo and Roger Ibañez. Former Manchester City veteran Danilo will turn 35 during the tournament and spent the last season as a rotation player at Flamengo. Roma's Ibañez is a versatile name who can play both at right-back and centre-back. Fabinho is also on the list as an alternative with experience in the position. If Ancelotti officially uses Ederson at right-back, the building blocks of Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá and Joelinton quartet in Brazil's midfield will become deeper.

Ederson's Manchester United transfer also continues in the shadow of this process. The preliminary agreement reached between Atalanta and the English giant was postponed because the player, who was normally planned to spend the holiday period in England and sign the contract, was called to the Brazil camp. The Brazilian international will join Old Trafford after the World Cup. This can be read as a parameter that will also affect Carrick (the United manager and former Liverpool player) in the attacking and midfield balance.

Brazil will face Morocco, Scotland and Haiti in Group C. The opening match will be played against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday, June 13. The match will start at 19:00 local time (ET); 02:00 Turkey time (June 14). Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic will officiate the match. If Ederson takes place in the first eleven as right-back, the Brazilian public will reflect an innovative tactical decision on the pitch as Globo Esporte reported.

Ultimately, Ancelotti's creativity offers a solution that can turn the injury blow to an advantage. The results that Ederson's physical strength and play-building ability will produce at right-back in Brazil's vision of increasing power in the transition game will be one of the curious sub-headings of the tournament.

Source: Globo Esporte.

Image: globoesporte.globo.com