Dani Alves to ‘babysit Neymar’ in World Cup

Veteran Brazil defender Dani Alves was a shock inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup squad.

Alves missed out four years ago because of an injury to his knee.

However, manager Tite surprised everyone by making Dani Alves part of his palns.

Aged 39, Alves is currently playing club football in Mexico with UNAM.

Thanks to the presence of Juventus defender Danilo and Real Madrid’s Eder Militao, Alves was expected to have a very limited role at the right back position.

Naturally, there was a lot of speculation on his exact role.

Now that questions seems to have been answered.

Alves’ primary role in Qatar is to babysit Brazilian forward Neymar, it has been reported.

Tite and his coaching staff realise that their best hope of glory relied on Neymar being disciplined throughout.

In 2018 in Russia, Neymar appeared grumpy and petulant and his constant diving and complaining at referees ended up wasting his talent.

Neymar also insulted a journalist which further alienated him from football fans.

Tite wants to stamp out this self-destructive behaviour by having Dani Alves who is the only player, part from Thiago Silva who is capable of telling Neymar to stop his antics.

Neymar trusts Alves as the 39 year old was decisive in drawing Neymar to Barcelona in 2013.

Apparently, when Neymar departed for Paris Saint Germain four years later, he is said to have demanded that the club sign Alves too.

Tite has taken efforts to ensure this Brazil squad is the most united ever.

In the past, Selecao squads have seen bitter in-fighting which dented their chances.

Superstars Ronaldo and Rivaldo reportedly did not speak in 2002, though Brazil went on to lift the trophy that year.

Brazil are the bookie’s favourites to lift the trophy for the sixth time on December 18.

Their World Cup gets underway on November 24 against Serbia.

Four days later, they face Switzerland four days later and will conclude the Group G fixtures against Cameroon on December 2.