5 underrated Brazilian footballers
When it comes to football, the talent that exists in Brazil far supersedes the talent that resides anywhere else in the world. The likes of Pele, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Rivaldo have etched themselves in the golden chapters of the game of football with their performances for club and country, and often, even the best in the business have had to fight so as to land a place in the Brazilian national team.
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That said, there are several current Brazilian footballers who are not given the due respect they deserve as professionals and in this segment, we take a look at 5 of the most underrated Brazilian footballers of current times.
#1 Renato Augusto
The 29-year-old midfielder, who is currently plying his trade for Beijing Guoan, was one of the best talents to emerge out of the Flamengo academy recently. While injuries have in some way played spoilsport throughout his career, he has fought them and made a name for himself in Brazil.
Augusto has shown an ability to combine his skill on the ball with the ability to control the tempo of his side. His calm and composed demeanour on the ball, as well as an uncanny ability to split open the opposition's defence makes him a threat. He also ensures that he does his fair share of dirty work in the middle of the park, which has made him an instant favourite at whichever club he has been involved with.
(Video Courtesy: J . F Soccer YouTube Channel)
Despite being a fan favourite at clubs such as Bayer Leverkusen and Corinthians, the Brazilian, it could be said has been underutilised by the Brazilian national team. At 29 years of age, Augusto has thus far featured only 17 times for the Brazilian national team. His greatest moment in a Brazil shirt was when he helped his side win their first ever Olympic gold in front of a home crowd in 2016.
Currently at Chinese side Beijing Guoan, the midfielder will be keen to help his side improve on their previous season’s 5th spot finish and will also be hoping that the Brazilian team management realises what he can bring to the national side.