Too soon to recall Ganso: Sao Paulo coach

Rio de Janeiro, Oct 19 (IANS) Sao Paulo coach Muricy Ramalho believes it is too soon to recall rejuvenated midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso to Brazil’s national football team.

The injuy-ravaged midfielder has recaptured his best form in recent weeks, prompting reports he could win a national call up for Brazil’s friendlies against Honduras and Chile next month, reports Xinhua.

“I think it’s too early for that,” Ramalho said Friday. “He has to have that in the back of his mind, but he needs to do more to get back in the national team. He has to perform at this level over an extended period.”

Ganso wore Brazil’s coveted No.10 shirt at the 2011 Copa America and was considered, alongside Neymar, as a torchbearer of a new generation to lead Brazil towards the 2014 World Cup.

But poor form and injuries caused Ganso to disappear off the international radar following the London 2012 Olympics.

The Selecao’s No.10 shirt now belongs to Neymar while Ganso has been largely forgotten.

Now the 24-year-old is fully fit and enjoying his most consistent run of form since joining Sao Paulo from Santos last year.

His goal after a jinking run in Sao Paulo’s 3-0 victory over Nautico Wednesday was confirmation of his renaissance.

“He is a type of player that is rare in football,” said Muricy, Ganso’s coach at Santos when the club won the 2011 Copa Libertadores.

“You no longer see players who treat the ball like he does. I think our midfield has been able to help him, players like Denilson and Maicon have helped create space for him.”