Dani Alves was reportedly included in the Brazil squad for the World Cup to act in a 'babysitter' role for Neymar.
The veteran full-back, aged 39, was a surprise inclusion in the Selecao for their squad for the tournament. Alves had his brief second stint at Barcelona ended in the summer by the Catalan club before he joined Mexican club UNAM on a contract for the remainder of the calendar year.
The right-back has been capped 124 times for the Brazil national team and has won four trophies with the nation – two Copa America crowns and two Confederation Cup titles. However, he has never tasted glory in the World Cup – and missed the 2018 tournament with a knee injury.
Alves will not be a starter for Tite's side in Brazil as Juventus full-back Danilo will occupy the position on the right side of the defence, with Real Madrid's Eder Militao able to provide cover in the role. It has now been suggested by Diario Sport that the inclusion of Alves was less about playing time and more to do with his role of looking after Neymar.
It is outlined how Alves has been influential for the forward throughout his career; he was present in the Brazil national team upon Neymar's debut and played a key role in his move to Barcelona from Santos – suggesting the deal to the Catalan club and persuading his international teammate that it was right for him.
Furthermore, Alves arrived at Paris Saint-Germain just weeks before Neymar in 2017 as their close association continued. It is highlighted that the right-back is one of the few figures within a squad who can assert authority and discipline over the forward.
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The absence of Alves in 2018 has been linked by the report to have coincided with Neymar's frustrations and a lack of leadership within the squad. It is said that Thiago Silva and Alves are the only two players in the Brazil squad to pull Neymar aside and tell him straight to get back on track, while PSG teammate Marquinhos can offer a softer form of leadership.
The inclusion of Alves in Brazil's squad may have raised eyebrows due to his age and the fact he no longer plays in one of the world's most competitive leagues. Former Brazil striker Ronaldo Nazario was among those who called on boss Tite to select a younger squad with a view to the future.
Ronaldo has said: "People are complaining about the absence of (Flamengo striker) Gabigol, but if it was to bring one, to be part of the group with little chance of acting, I would have brought (Palmeiras teenage sensation) Endrick. I think he is a boy with a very promising future and that he is already acting as a professional. It would be a sensational experience for him and also for the future of the team."
