World Cup 2018: Brazil have a star who can eclipse Neymar in Russia

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Danny Murphy15 June 2018

There has been a lot of talk about Neymar in the build-up to this World Cup but I think Gabriel Jesus could be a star of the tournament — and he’s my pick to end it as the top scorer.

Neymar is hugely important for Brazil because of his creative ability and they are going rely on him a lot.

He looks like he has never been away after his injury but Jesus could be the one who comes in under the radar and really shines in Russia.

At 21, he is one of the best young players in the world and he impressed me from the moment he joined Manchester City in 2017. He has plenty of flair and scores goals regularly but he also has qualities that you do not often see in someone of his talent — tenacity and a willingness to work hard. And his record for Brazil is ridiculous. He has 10 goals in 17 appearances and he is going to get so many chances in this team.

We are not blessed at this tournament with an abundance of strikers as we have been in the past.

There are maybe six or seven super talents who are going to be fighting it out for the Golden Boot but I fancy Jesus could finish ahead of them all.

He would have learned a lot this season under Pep Guardiola and he represents what is best about Brazil — a nice blend of talent and hard work. They have players like Jesus, Fernandinho, Willian and Thiago Silva, who have all tasted success this season at their clubs and that can breed more success.

I am looking forward to watching Brazil, who kick off their campaign against Switzerland on Sunday, because they have so many players we are familiar with in the Premier League but also because I believe we have yet to see the best of them.

They are better for what happened when they hosted the World Cup four years ago and lost 7-1 to Germany in the semi-finals. What a strange game that was. You learn more when you lose than when you win and the likes of Willian and Fernandinho have developed into really super players since then.

Brazil have a steeliness that maybe Argentina do not have and defensively they are better than most South American sides. They have an abundance of talent mixed with real hunger. Tournament football can always throw up something that does not work out for you but I think Brazil, along with Spain — even though they have had a difficult week with the sacking of coach Julen Lopetegui — will be the teams to beat over the next month.

Sane decision will wound Germany

Germany leaving Leroy Sane out of their squad was a surprise and without him I do not think they have enough firepower to win it.

There is clearly more behind the decision than just his ability. Joachim Low has obviously seen something in his attitude or how he conducts himself but, whatever the reason, it is a massive blow for them.

Germany are too reliant on Toni Kroos. If he gets injured or suspended I do not see another player who could do what he does for them. Kroos always goes under the radar and even for Real Madrid in the Champions League Final he was the one who got them playing. Germany are still a good team, but not one of the favourites.

Deschamps’ caution could harm France

The talent in the France squad means they should be there or thereabouts but you never quite know what to expect from them.

With players like Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Paul Pogba, you could argue France have the best squad at the tournament. They are good defensively as well so they have a nice mix.

But their history in recent tournaments suggests they do not know how to get the job done, and some feel coach Didier Deschamps is too negative. We know Brazil will be given freedom to attack and play with flair but I am not sure France will.

If Deschamps lets the reins off a bit, though, then they have a real chance.

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