Brazil manager Dorival Junior has heaped praise on Brighton and Hove Albion forward João Pedro after calling him up to replace the injured Pedro.
GE Globo cover comments from the Brazil boss today after the Brighton man was called up to cover in the squad.
Pedro was ruled out of the international break and the remainder of the season after suffered a sprain in his left knee.
His misfortune proved to be Joao Pedro’s fortune, though, as he was called up in his place and could now be set to add to his solitary cap, which he picked up back in November 2023.
He’s enjoyed a superb start to the season with Brighton under new manager Fabian Hürzeler and it seems that’s not gone unnoticed by Dorival Junior and his team.
“João Pedro had already been monitored for a long time, he was very close in another call-up, he had already come with Diniz,” he said.
“He is evolving, he deserved the opportunity, as others are deserving. The option at this moment was for a player who combines technique, posture and strength very well, has great arrival in the area, I hope he helps us in these games.”
The question now is whether Joao Pedro will be given his chance to add to his caps or simply be a part of the Brazil squad in the background.
Brazil are hardly short of attacking options and with the likes of Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and Endrick to compete with, it’s going to be hard for the Brighton man.
