CRISTIANO RONALDO HOPES TO STAY ON TOP FORM

"I am at one of the best stages in my career"

Cristiano Ronaldo continued answering the questions of children suffering from leukaemia for the Cadena COPE radio station.

Q. If you win the Ballon d'Or, will you go and collect it?

R. I don't think about the Ballon d'Or all that much. I know the ceremony is in January but I couldn't say whether I’ll go or not. I’m not obsessed by the Ballon d'Or. Let's see what happens.

Q. Do you think you have reached your peak as a player?

R. In my head I always think I can be better. Maybe this is one of the best periods in my career, yes. I have reached a high point and achieved a good level and I hope to maintain this form till I stop playing football.

Q. Do you feel like you're the best player in the world?

R. It's not just about this year. I've had to reach a very high level during the last few years. It's no coincidence. I want people to look at me as a professional, a player that gives everything for his team.

Q. How many hours do you spend a day to keep in such good form?

R. I always try to train well, during the day I make few mistakes. Obviously, I try my best to be a true professional. There are times when it isn't possible to be in such good form, but throughout the year I try to keep my life the same, irrespective of who I'm playing against. I train the same way, be it Osasuna or Barcelona.

SUFFERING FROM KNEE PROBLEMS AGAIN AFTER FRANCE APPEARANCE

Madrid concerned for Varane

Varane has had to be sidelined once again. The French defender appeared for France on Tuesday and returned to Madrid with an inflamed knee, leading to him being ruled out and rested for the match against Almería.

"Worried isn't the right word, we are monitoring the situation," explained Ancelotti

"Varane has knee problems. He can't play tomorrow because his knee is swollen after playing for France. It's quite a common problem for a player with an injury of this type, but we need to sort it because we need the player to be firing on all cylinders," Ancelotti said in a press conference.

Varane has only been able to play four full games so far this season with Real Madrid. "Worried isn't the right word, we are monitoring the situation with the player, along with the surgeon who operated on him," explained the manager.

The French centre-back is unable play two games consecutively for fear of impacting on the knee he has had surgery on and there is concern about Varane within the club's medical team.

ARGENTINE OUT WITH CALF INJURY

Di María joins the injury club

11/22/2013

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Real Madrid will have a grand total of five men missing for the Almería match. The bad news of the day came from Ángel di María, who was forced to pull out of the squad with a bruised calf muscle. The Argentine joins Varane, Khedira, Marcelo and Coentrao in the treatment room.

Carlo Ancelotti has named a 19-man squad for the fixture, including youngster José Rodríguez, who made his first-team debut last season under José Mourinho.

The full squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Diego López and Jesús
Defenders: Pepe, Ramos, Carvajal, Arbeloa and Nacho
Midfielders: Bale, Xabi Alonso, Casemiro, Modric, Isco, Illarra and José Rodríguez.
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Jesé and Morata.

THE COACH PUZZLES OVER HOW TO COVER KHEDIRA'S ABSENCE

Ancelotti's conundrum

In Almería, Real Madrid faces its first game without Khedira - seriously injured while fulfilling his international commitments during the recent league break. Suddenly, the absence of one of the most doubted players in the 'Los Blancos' squad has prompted a debate about who his ideal replacement should be.

Three men for one position, three completely different players, each of whom would substantially change Carlo Ancelotti's game plan. Casemiro, Isco and Di María are battling for a position that will be vacant until end of season.

The Italian coach gave nothing away about how he is going to resolve this conundrum in comments to the club's official TV channel, saying "Khedira's absence is forcing us to think about whether we should continue with this system and put a player in with the same profile, or change it. We have a number of solutions. There isn't any one formation you win or lose with. The squad is very strong and combines experience, skill and enthusiasm from the young players".

Sticking with the 4-3-3 would mean the inclusion of Casemiro, the player with the most similar style of play to the German. The use of Di María or Isco, however, would require a redraft, going to a 4-2-3-1, with Xabi Alonso and Modric as the driving force, Bale, Ronaldo and the Spanish or Argentine player up front, and Benzema as the striker.

PUBLIC FERVOR IN FAVOUR OF RONALDO WINNING COVETED AWARD

"The people have already chosen the Ballon d'Or winner"

Ronaldo fever is gripping the world. Following his outstanding performance in the play-offs against Sweden, the whole planet has spoken out as one and come out in support of the Real Madrid player in his bid to win the Ballon d'Or.

From Rajoy to Ronaldinho, including publications such as L'Equipe or La Gazzetta, the vast majority of those asked responded in the same way: "The best player in the world? Cristiano Ronaldo".

The Spanish prime minister also expressed his support for the Real Madrid star: "If I had a vote, I'd give it to Cristiano Ronaldo". Those closest to the Portuguese player are in little doubt: "The people have already chosen the Ballon d’Or winner".

COENTRAO, OUT FOR 2 WEEKS, JOINS MARCELO ON THE SIDELINES

FIFA virus strikes again

'Los Blancos' have been hit again by the feared 'FIFA virus', losing Coentrao. Real Madrid's medical team has confirmed that the Portuguese has picked up an injury to his left thigh and will be out for two to three weeks.

This new injury now leaves a gaping hole in the left side of the Real defence, as Marcelo is still injured and it doesn't look like he will be back in action for Saturday's game against Almería. The Brazilian, who has been suffering an injury to his left knee since 8th November, exercised this Wednesday in the gymnasium and only came out onto the pitch in the last few minutes to have a run-around. Ancelotti doesn't want to force the player's return.

Without Coentrao and Marcelo, the most logical option for the left back position is Álvaro Arbeloa. This was the Real Madrid line up for the club's last game before the World Cup break, when they played against Real Sociedad. The problem is that Arbeloa has returned from the Spain – South Africa game with niggles and may not be able to play this weekend against Almería.

To add insult to injury, Ancelotti also cannot count on the services of Castilla player Jorge Casado, who is also out for a month. If Arbeloa finally can play, Real will line up a defence with Caravajal, Pepe, Ramos and Arbeloa. Varane, who played in the France – Ukraine game, will be rested as he picked up a slight injury to his knee that prevented him playing the first leg game against the Ukrainians. Real doesn't want to run any risks with the Frenchman.

FIFA PRESIDENT REITERATES

Blatter: "Cristiano is an extraordinary commander"

FIFA's Swiss president, Joseph Blatter, reiterated his comparison of Real Madrid striker, Cristiano Ronaldo, with a "commander" - a description he used during a public appearance in which he mocked the Portuguese player.

Responding to questions from the media at a press conference in Rome after an audience with Pope Francis, Blatter said he stands by everything he has said about the Portuguese footballer in the past. "For me he remains an exceptional player and an extraordinary commander on the pitch", Blatter told the Italian media. "Obviously each of us, in our heart, has his own favourite", the head of the football's world governing body added, referring to the Ballon d'Or candidates.

On a different matter, the FIFA president expressed his and his football federation's concern over thecontinuing incidents of racism being seen both on the terraces and on the football pitches. "One of FIFA's main objectives is to combat racism. Unfortunately racism is not a game but a reality", he said. However, Blatter wanted to emphasize that racism itself, "comes from our society and not football".

CLAIMS HE HASN'T PICKED TEAM FOR ALMERÍA GAME

Ancelotti: "We could play Xabi and Illarra together"

Carlo Ancelotti is keeping his cards close to his chest with regards to the team to face Almería, even mentioning the possibility of pairing Xabi Alonso and Asier Illarramendi in central midfield. "But I won't make a decision until tomorrow", he clarified.

"We've tried to stick to the same system in recent matches, with three central midfielders, including two in the holding role. We could use Casemiro or play Illarra and Alonso together, with Isco further forward. That's a decision I'll have to make, because I have faith in all the players".

Ancelotti's decision has been made easier by the absence of Ángel di María through injury, which the Italian himself revealed. "The squad isn't in the best of fitness, as we've got several players who are unavailable for tomorrow. Counting Di María, Khedira, Marcelo, Varane and Coentrao, that means there are five players out".

The coach, who admitted the club's concerns over Raphael Varane's fitness, acknowledged that Real has struggled after international breaks this season, but was confident there will be no repeat of this scenario on Saturday. "The players have a good mentality. They're all focused on tomorrow's match. They've come back happy because they've all made it through to the World Cup. Psychologically, the players are in good shape. The issue is with physical recovery and above all, injuries".

ANNOUNCES THAT HIS FIRST VOTE HAS BEEN FOR THE PORTUGUESE

Casillas: "I would be surprised if Ronaldo didn't win the Ballon d'Or"

Iker Casillas, in a publicity event, has made his preferences for the Ballon d'Or known: "My first vote has been for Ronaldo. I would be surprised if he didn't win it this year because his goal tally is out of this world".

After making public his preferences, he added that "to know who the others have voted for, you´ll have to wait until January".

"Ronaldo deserves it because he is having an amazing year. I would be surprised if he wasn't given it, although we all have our own criteria. Some of us value titles more, others playing style, but for me, it's about goals. Scoring more than 90 from 80 games is out of this world", he said.

Casillas assured that his priority at the moment is to get back to being a starter for 'Los Blancos': "I'm not thinking about the World Cup, but about doing things well for my club, in training better and being ready for my manager. Playing for the national team is now behind me - we classified for the World Cup a while back and now what I have to do is play well for my club as in this way I'll continue playing for Spain."

"I fight to be the starting goalkeeper. You should never throw in the towel, but train more, work harder and fight for the position", he explained.

Asked about his relationship with Mourinho, Casillas said that "it has been a pleasure to have worked" with the Portuguese. "I prefer to remember the good things, and not think about the same old things all the time. If I see him, I will offer him my hand; you'll have to ask him and see what he has to say", he added.

"I have had nothing to do with any comments in public against Mourinho, at least as far as I can remember", he finished by saying.

THE REAL MADRID MANAGER WANTS HIS MAN TO GET THE PRIZE

Ancelotti: "A lot of courage is needed to not give the Ballon d'Or to Ronaldo"

Carlo Ancelotti has joined in the many voices asking for the Ballon d'Or award to be given to Cristiano Ronaldo: "I love watching him play because he is on excellent form. He plays in an extraordinary way. I hope he wins it because he deserves it".

Carletto added: "A lot of courage is needed to not give the Ballon d'Or to Ronaldo. I saw the game against Sweden and asked myself if it was really true that this player played for Real Madrid".

The Real Madrid manager also wished to give an optimistic message regarding the club's big objective this season – the Champions League: "I am convinced that we are going to play some great football and that we are going to be a very very competitive team in Europe. The obvious objective is to win it, but this is not an obsession, only a great motivation. The world knows that to win the Champions League is not easy because it's not just a question of quality, but also many other things, and also luck. And above all to arrive at the right time and in good shape".

For Ancelotti, "the key to winning a Champions League is in the months of March and April to have the team in great condition, both physically and mentally without problems, and a little bit of luck. If this team plays with the quality that it has, the rest is my problem – it has a great chance of winning".

HE SAYS THAT HE SETS AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW

Piqué: "I admire Cristiano Ronaldo, he's a top teammate"

11/21/2013

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Barcelona centre back Gerard Piqué praised Cristiano Ronaldo, his former teammate when the pair played together for Manchester United: "Cristiano is a top teammate. I admire him professionally because he sets an example to follow both as a player and as a person."

Regarding the duel between Ronaldo and Messi, he remarked: "Cristiano's good turn of form will make Messi come back with even greater enthusiasm. The competition between Messi and Cristiano has made both of them better."

As for Barça's style of play, he assured: "We could play better. The debate over our style is a wide-ranging one." He finished on an emphatic note: "The team that won six titles was not the best Barça team; it was the best in the history of football."

CRISTIANO RONALDO IS SHOWERED WITH PRAISE

The world at his feet

11/21/2013

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The World Press has been won over by CR7's performance in Sweden and is tipping him as the favourite for the Ballon d'Or.

BRAZIL

"Unforgettable"

"Cristiano Ronaldo earned a place in the history books in Stockholm. He scored three goals and secured qualification for his national team against Ibrahimovic's Sweden in the best game of his career".

GERMANY

"CR7 wins the battle with Ibra"

"Superb performance from both superstars. A stunning hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo takes Portugal through to the World Cup in Brazil"

ARGENTINA

"I'm your nemesis"

"Cristiano Ronaldo smashed it: he put in three goals, taking Portugal through the World Cup where he could even cross paths with Messi in the group stages".

CHINA
"Irrepressible Cristiano, a stunning hat-trick"

"Cristiano Ronaldo wins his personal battle with Ibrahimovic and puts Portugal in the World Cup".

ENGLAND

"The night Cristiano ran away with the Ballon d'Or"

"Game, set and match to Portugal's captain in the race for the Ballon d'Or after his hat-trick secured World Cup qualification".

AUSTRALIA

"Ronaldo, in superstar mode"

"Superb performance from the Portuguese star who, with his three goals, secured Portugal's qualification for the World Cup in Brazil".

UNITED STATES

"The man who should win the Ballon d'Or"

"Cristiano Ronaldo scores a brilliant hat-trick and proves himself to be a top candidate for the trophy".

SOUTH AFRICA

"Cristiano Ronaldo wins out over Ibrahimovic"

"The best of Cristiano Ronaldo delivers victory to Portugal against Ibrahimovic securing a place in the World Cup".

WELSHMAN HAS PLAYED JUST ONE FRIENDLY

Bale the 'antivirus'

Injury to Khedira and Xabi Alonso's scare, mean Ancelotti will breathe a sigh of relief to see Gareth Bale return in one piece to Valdebebas. The Welshman has just played one friendly match and will have the whole week to rest before the game against Almería.

The rest will be welcome news for Bale, who will head into the next league encounter in top shape, unlike his teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema, who will fight to take their countries to the World Cup, meaning a huge physical and mental effort.

In the last few games, Bale has finally performed to the standards of the Bernabéu faithful - with goals and assists. The pre-season performed by the player before the international break did him the world of good and apart from the below-poor display at the Camp Nou, the winger has produced his best form.

Although he has travelled with and played for Wales during the international break, he has come out of it ok, despite some tough tackles from the Finnish defenders that almost sent him back to Spain on a stretcher. The so-called 'FIFA virus' has been kind to him, to the delight of Ancelotti, who complained about the dates of the international games on Monday.

Ancelotti has found an ally in Wales coach Chris Coleman, who understands Real Madrid's concerns and is prepared to collaborate with the club and rest Bale in unnecessary games.

"He'll probably say he wants to play in every game, but that's a dialogue we have to have with Madrid due to the club's investment", Coleman said.

INTERVIEW WITH REAL MADRID COACH

"Football is about defending well"

11/19/2013

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Carlo Ancelotti is a simple, down-to-earth man. And if you get him in his comfort zone, talking about football, he doesn't hold back. The coach sat down with MARCA and EL MUNDO to discuss 'My Christmas Tree', his book about his career in the dugout. It's kick-off time...

In your book you go into detail about all your tactical ideas, but what came first, the system or the players?
The players come first and foremost. I spent a long time working with Sacchi and back then there was only one formation for me, 4-4-2, which was easy to explain. But things changed at Juve. I didn't like having to take Zidane out of his natural position by shunting him to the left or right, so I started looking at the players' attributes and designing a system that suited them. Before that, at Parma, I had the chance to sign Baggio. When I spoke to him, he said he wanted to play as an attacking midfielder and I told him I couldn't play him there because it didn't fit into our system. When I look back I think 'no way, how on earth did I turn down Baggio, a 20-25 goal-a-season player?' What I'm getting at is that you change as you gain experience.

Has it all been done in football?

I don't think so. You only have to look at Spain, which won the World Cup without an out-and-out centre-forward. Dynamism is the be-all and end-all.

But we haven't seen your Christmas tree at Real Madrid yet.

We tried the Christmas tree at the beginning, but we changed to the diamond formation and then 4-4-2. I can't use the Christmas tree here because of the players' attributes. You've got Cristiano, who likes playing on the left, and Bale on the right. You don't have the right players for that system. Then you've got Isco, for instance, who would fit right in as a central attacking midfielder.

But is it easier to apply in Spain?

It's not about the country. It's the novelty factor that gives you an edge. With Sacchi's system, the opponents didn't know what had hit them. The same thing happened at Milan with the Christmas tree to begin with, because people didn't know how to defend against the attacking midfielders, but coaches are smart and they eventually come up with a solution.

An Italian possession-based coach is a rare thing.

The Italian league is a big help, because you come up against all sorts of systems. Football is also about defending well and I'm not happy with how Real Madrid is defending. Being Italian doesn't mean I only like defending - at Chelsea we scored the highest number of goals in the club's history.

So what's the source of all these problems at the back?

Above all it's an issue of sacrifice, as well as good organisation. In my opinion 4-4-2 is the best defensive formation, because it's not easy to defend with only three midfielders. Plus I don't like giving Cristiano Ronaldo and especially Bale too much defensive responsibility, because we need their ability going forward. It's not easy to protect the defence and press up top with three midfielders. We had the same problem with the Christmas tree because it was difficult to cover for the full-backs when they pushed forward.

THE FACTORS THAT COULD DETERMINE HIS FUTURE

Xabi Alonso's wishlist

Xabi Alonso is one-of-a-kind, as can be seen from the influence he has exerted since returning from injury, reinvigorating Real Madrid and finally knitting together Carlo Ancelotti's system. However, his future remains up in the air and could hinge on three key factors.

1. Being handed a guaranteed two-year contract, not subject to clauses
As revealed by the programme 'Tiki-Taka' last Monday, one of Alonso's demands if he is to stay at Real Madrid is to be given a two-year contract, with the second season not contingent on how many appearances he makes in the first. In theory, the club would not be averse to such an agreement.

2. Getting a wage hike up to €5 million a season after tax
Alonso believes his performances warrant improved terms. His current salary is worth around €4.5 million and he has his eye on a pay rise that would place him among the group of players pocketing over €5 million a year after tax. Real is believed to be on board with this wage hike.

3. A clean bill of health
Xabi's third condition has nothing to do with the club and everything to do with his own condition. If he has a good end to the season and is able to consign his groin problems to the past, Xabi will be up for staying at 'Los Blancos'. If, on the other hand, his fitness continues to flag, he will choose to leave.

CONSIDERING FORMATION CHANGE OR TURNING TO CASEMIRO

Ancelotti rules out signing Khedira replacement

11/18/2013

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Carlo Ancelotti is mulling over giving Casemiro a run in the Real Madrid starting line-up to fill the shoes ofSami Khedira, although he is also not averse to the idea of altering his formation. "We have two solutions: one is to bring in a player with similar attributes to Khedira, while the other is to change the system", the Real coach noted.

"What's important is for the players to feel comfortable in the system. We have players that haven't played that much but are in good shape, like Casemiro. I need to ponder the solution. We have no plans to change the squad", he added.

Ancelotti, who was speaking during the launch of his book, 'My Christmas Tree', also rued Khedira's "bad luck": "Khedira gives balance to the team. I'm sure we'll manage in his absence, though he's a very important player for us. But we'll cope".
The Italian was categorical when asked about Isco's best position: "He's played the odd match as a deep-lying midfielder, but he's more at home behind the strikers".

Finally, the former Milan and PSG manager appealed to football's governing bodies to rethink the current fixture lists: "The issue with international football is difficult to fix because clubs and national teams have different demands. When I first started coaching, players didn't play as many matches and it was easier to plan a fitness programme. Now they have to play every three days and it's really tough. I think FIFA and UEFA could resolve that by amending the schedule".

CLUB INVITES MEMBERS TO DISCOVER TRAINING GROUND

Your chance to visit Valdebebas

Real Madrid is set to open the first-team and academy residences at the Valdebebas training ground up to visitors. The club has sent a letter and email around to members informing them that a supporter relations office has been set up at the complex, "which will handle any requests to visit our wonderful facilities all year round".

Ahead of the finalisation of the plans for the new Bernabéu, Real is eager to show off its two new buildings – the first-team base, which opened a few months ago, and the academy residence, on which the ribbon should be cut in early January.

However, the club has made it clear that the tours are not an opportunity to go autograph hunting: "These visits, which will be centred on the new first-team and academy residences, will be scheduled to avoid clashes with training sessions and will only take place when the players are not present".

REAL MADRID DOES NOT WANT TO LOSE ALONSO

A new dawn for a new deal

The two parties appear closer to agreeing a new deal for Xabi Alonso. Ancelotti may just find a present under the Christmas tree, because time is of the essence, forcing the club to make its move.

Even though a few weeks ago his future appeared to be heading away from the Bernabéu, things have now changed and the Basque midfielder is closer than he was before his injury to signing a new deal.

Ancelotti is, in footballing terms, in love with Xabi, whom he calls 'The Professor'. He sees him as an extension of himself on the pitch, and if he was a crucial member of the team before, Khedira’s injury has now made him indispensible.

The ball is in Xabi’s court
Alonso’s requests remain the same. A two-year deal and a pay rise which sees him take a step up the salary ladder at the club. The club knows what his demands are and it now has to sit down with the player.

Mourinho is waiting for him, but Madrid wants to keep him. Despite being 32 in June, his persistent groin problem, as well as the players brought in and those yet to arrive, Xabi remains indispensible. He wants his new contract to reflect how the club values his contribution on the pitch.

FANS WANT PLAYER TO REPLACE KHEDIRA

Isco is the key

11/17/2013

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Ancelotti now faces a selection headache after Sami Khedira's injury, but the MARCA.com viewers have given him a helping hand. After all the questions that we asked throughout the day to determine the severity of the German's situation, the fans have spoken. For starters, they believe that Madrid does not need to resort to the winter transfer market and the German's place should be taken by Isco.

The vast majority (82%) are convinced that Khedira's injury must not disrupt the team and that there is no need to sign anyone in December.

In another survey, where we asked who should replace Sami, Isco was the clear winner. More than half (52%) of those who voted chose him to come into the team ahead of Ilarramendi, Casemiro and Di María. The inclusion of the Málaga-born player would lead to a change of system. Carletto was convinced by the 4-3-3 formation but may now go to a 4-2-3-1, with Isco in the middle of Bale and Cristiano and behind Benzema.

Surprisingly, Casemiro (28%), who has barely been used by Ancelotti since the season started, was the second most voted player. The Brazilian received more votes than Illarra (16%) and a fair few more than Di María (4%), who the Madrid fans believe should play on the wing.

Despite the fans' clear opinion that another signing is unnecessary, there is divided feeling among the Madrid supporters regarding the consequences of not being able to count on the German. A very slight majority think 'Los Blancos' will miss Khedira. Time will tell what Carlo thinks about all this...

CANDIDATE FOR THE SPOT LEFT VACANT BY KHEDIRA

Casemiro even trains on his days off

J. L. CALDERÓN · MADRID 11/17/2013

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Casemiro never gives up. The Brazilian hopes to convince Carlo Ancelotti that he's the perfect man to cover for the injured Khedira in midfield.

Although he's only played 80 minutes so far this season, Casemiro hasn't lost his smile or his hope, and day after day he trains hard at Valdebebas to try and get a spot, first in the matchday squad, then in the team.

He is so motivated that he even trains on his days off. Casemiro is officially off until Monday, but he turned up to the training ground yesterday to put in a shift.

After shining during pre-season, Casemiro seems to have become a forgotten man, and it's difficult to understand why.

Yesterday, the Brazilian sent a message of support to Khedira: "All the luck in the world, Sami! Real Madrid and the World Cup are waiting for you! We're here for you!!! #ChinUpKhedira", he wrote.

OPINION / ORTEGO'S KITCHEN

Without his 'Gattuso', Ancelotti may alter his system

For Carlo Ancelotti, the injury to Khedira is much more than bad news. Sami was playing the same role as Gattuso did in his Champions League-winning Milan side. And the comparison actually came from Ancelotti himself. He sees many of the same qualities in Khedira as he did in the battling Italian midfielder, as well as another aspect: his runs on goal.

His extended absence will undoubtedly oblige the Italian to revise his plans. He doesn't just need to find an emergency solution; he needs a solution for the whole season.

He has various options: from changing the system, to picking up another player during the winter transfer window, as well as choosing another player from the current squad to adapt to that position somewhere between a wide player and a holding midfielder in a 4-3-3.

We can find two precedents from this season, games that Khedira also missed out on due to injury. The first of which saw Casemiro filling the German's shoes, playing in central midfield alongside Modric.

In the next game, in Granada, Ancelotti made a slight change to the 4-2-2-2, moving to a 4-4-2 with a diamond midfield - a subtle change on emphasis. At that point Özil was still in the squad, and he was placed at the top of the diamond.

If the manager wants to cling to his currently favoured 4-3-3, with a Bale-Benzema-Ronaldo frontline, he'll need to switch something up. He's publicly stated that he doesn't see Illara as a wide player. This means his options are either one of Isco and Di María, who play an offensive game, or to give Casemiro a chance, the Brazilian having proved to be more willing to get back and defend when he's been selected.