Bournemouth forward Rayan continues to receive positive feedback inside the Brazil national team setup, even if an immediate call-up may still take time.
The attacker, who left Vasco da Gama to join AFC Bournemouth, was discussed this week on ESPN. Journalist Pedro Ivo revealed that the youngster is highly rated by people working with the Brazil national football team.
According to him, Rayan is already viewed internally as a player for Brazil’s future plans.
“You know who is very well regarded by the coaching staff? Rayan,” Pedro Ivo explained during the programme. “The national team really likes him,” he said.
However, the journalist also warned that a call-up in the immediate future should not be taken for granted.
“That doesn’t necessarily mean he will appear in the March squad or even the World Cup squad, because he is still very young and doesn’t have much experience yet.”
Competition in Brazil attack
One of the biggest obstacles for Rayan is the depth of attacking talent Brazil currently possess.
Pedro Ivo explained that the coaching staff already have several options capable of operating in similar areas of the pitch. Rayan is seen primarily as a wide attacker rather than a central striker, which puts him in competition with multiple established and emerging names.
Players such as Estevão Willian and Luiz Henrique are among those competing for those roles. Meanwhile, versatile attackers like Raphinha can also occupy similar positions in the national team structure.
Because of that depth, the coaching staff appear to be taking a longer-term view with the Bournemouth forward.
As Brazilian pundits recently suggested, he’ll need to calm down and wait for his chance – but that chance is sure to come.
Future plans for Rayan
Despite the strong competition, the internal view around the Brazil setup remains very positive. The plan to bring him into the Seleção was in motion long before he joined Bournemouth.
Pedro Ivo suggested that when the staff discuss future cycles of the national team, Rayan’s name regularly appears among the first mentioned prospects.
“When they talk internally about the future, about what comes next, Rayan tops the list.”
For Bournemouth, that is another sign of the long-term potential attached to the young forward. Even if an immediate call-up is not guaranteed, recognition from Brazil’s coaching staff already places him on an interesting trajectory.
If his development in the Premier League continues in the right direction, the path towards a senior Brazil appearance could open sooner rather than later.
