West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá being in the Brazilian team ahead of Palmeiras’ Raphael Veiga should be questioned.
That’s according to pundit Neto, who has been left furious by Brazil continuing to call up the West Ham man ahead of the 29-year-old.
Brazil have found themselves in something of a sticky patch of late, with two victories in the last international break not even helping to ease the tension around the Selecao.
The big issue has been around several players in the group continuing to be used despite not being at their best levels or with performance levels fluctuating in recent months.
Paquetá is one such player, with the midfielder hardly shining on the pitch as issues off the pitch, his charge by the FA for a breach of betting regulations and a subsequent investigation in Brazil, have seemingly taken their toll.
He’s been going through a difficult spell, to say the least, but has still managed to be called up by Brazil in favour of others.
One who has missed out because of this is Palmeiras midfielder Raphael Veiga, who has 17 goals and seven assists in 50 games in 2024 and been a key player for the Brazilian club.
Neto is certainly not impressed by his absence and believes the continued backing of the West Ham man is an insult to Veiga.
“He (Veiga) is the best left midfielder and the best player in Brazilian football for the past five years. You guys are paying homage to a guy (Paquetá) who is being investigated for yellow cards!” he said.
“This is Brazilian football. A dirty, corrupt football and it’s disgusting that this kid isn’t the number 10 of the national team.
“He (Veiga) doesn’t get injured, he doesn’t get red cards, he doesn’t complain, he had to play as a right winger, a defensive midfielder, he was loaned out… this kid has become one of the greatest players in Brazilian football and he’s not going to the National Team.
“How many years have we not had such a consistent player? He’s a good guy, a good professional… this boy has everything a football team needs!”
