Casemiro

Midfielder, 26, Real Madrid

Despite all of Brazil’s attacking talent, they still require balance. In a potentially top-heavy team, holding midfielder Casemiro (above, right) provides it.

A product of the Sao Paulo youth system, he was spotted early by Spanish giants Real Madrid. Officially signed in the summer of 2013, he spent a season on loan at FC Porto in neighbouring Portugal in 2014/15, gaining crucial experience of European football away from the glare of the Bernabeu.

Since returning, Casemiro has made himself an integral part of the Real team under Zinedine Zidane, starting in back-to-back Champions League finals in 2016 and 2017. He scored Madrid’s second goal in the 4-1 victory over Juventus a year ago, and followed that up with another against Manchester United in the European Super Cup in August.

Despite those strikes, he is Real’s chief protector in midfield – and he fulfils much the same role for his country. He is an accomplished passer when in possession, however, and can help the midfield control the tempo and rhythm of a game, often providing excellent through balls for his attackers to chase in behind the opposition’s back line.

Neymar

Forward, 26, PSG

The superstar of the Selecao, Neymar is Brazil’s most popular player and also their most effective attacking outlet. A product of the Santos youth system, he made his club debut at 17 and his international debut just one year later.

Huge moves to Barcelona, where he joined Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in an irresistible and Champions League-winning forward three, and latterly PSG followed. Before the injury that threatened his presence at this World Cup, the 26-year-old had scored 28 goals and created 19 more in just 30 appearances for the French champions.

A wide forward predominantly operating on the left side, Neymar has incredible speed and skill within the final third. He often finds himself double-marked throughout matches, but he is superb in possession in tight areas, and capable of getting accurate shots away from most positions. A natural crowd-pleaser, he may be short of full fitness for his team’s opening matches – but when fully fit he is the focal point of most of Brazil’s attacking play.