Copa America 2024 has already started but there are some big names missing from this tournament. One of the famous players missing from the tournament is Arsenal attacking midfielder, Willian. Willian was an omission from Brazil squad for Copa America 2024. Fans want to know the reason as to why Willian is not included in Brazil squad for Copa America 2024 ?
After witnessing a season to forget with Premier League club Arsenal, Brazilian star Willian has not been picked by coach in Brazil’s squad for Copa America 2024. He last played for Brazil in November 2019. The reason behind his exclusion is as follows:
Brazilian winger Willian had a disappointing maiden campaign at Arsenal in the Premier League last season. He is a famous player but his exclusion from Brazil Copa America 2021 Squad is not a surprise at all. Tite already has options like Richarlison, Everton, Jesus, Firmino. There was no chance that the coach was going to choose a player who is out of form and struggling.
The 32-year-old moved to the Emirates from Chelsea in the summer of 2020 on a free transfer but made little impact over the season and fell down the pecking order behind the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard. His Arsenal career started well, claiming a hat-trick of assists on his debut against Fulham last September, but he has since failed to pull up any trees. In 37 appearances this term he has scored just one goal and claimed eight assists.
Having missed out on a call-up for his country’s Copa America campaign – the tournament is being hosted by Brazil this summer – the 32-year-old, who has 70 caps to his name, is determined to win over head coach Tite. Willian is in the hope that an upturn in form next season might seal him a place in the Brazil squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“Each coach has his own way of working and each club has a philosophy of play. I was used to a more physical, intense training system. At Arsenal, with Arteta, we work much more on the tactical issue, aiming and opponent. I must respect this and I must adapt to this new model.”
“I had a good start and I never had many injuries, I always played regularly, but I was out on three occasions this year. That’s why I couldn’t be Willian of Chelsea. I hope to return to my high level and a bad season does not define my qualities and my potential. I still want to win titles.”
Coach Tite has called winger Willian into Brazil’s Copa América 2019 squad as a replacement for captain Neymar. Neymar injured his ankle in a 2-0 friendly win over Qatar.
He also represented his country in two World Cups, in 2014 on home soil and at Russia 2018, and with Neymar’s withdrawal he was the third most experienced player in Tite’s squad, behind captain Dani Alves (107 caps) and Thiago Silva (78).
The lack of playing time and his declining form are the answers to the question Why Willian is not included in Brazil squad for Copa America 2021.
Brazil Squad for Copa America 2024
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras).
Defenders: Emerson (Barcelona), Danilo, Alex Sandro (Juventus), Renan Lodi, Felipe (Atletico Madrid), Éder Militão (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Chelsea).
Midfielders: Casemiro (Real Madrid), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo), Fabinho (Liverpool), Fred (Manchester United), Lucas Paquetã (Lyon).
Forwards: Everton (Benfica), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Gabriel Barbosa (Flamengo), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Richarlison (Everton), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).
