Joe Cole has claimed that Manchester United midfielder Fred is a 'different player' for Brazil as he also discussed the struggles of Liverpool ace Fabinho.
Fred started alongside Fabinho in Brazil's final group stage game against Cameroon on Friday night, with manager Tite making nine changes for - essentially - a meaningless encounter. The Seleção, who lost 1-0, were all but guaranteed top spot before kick-off after beating both Serbia and Switzerland.
Tite has generally preferred Reds midfielder Casemiro over Fred and Fabinho, with the former Real Madrid star remaining a consistent performer for both club and country following his move from Los Blancos in the summer. While Fred has been consistently in and around the Brazil squad for the past 12 months, he has only started seven matches for United this term.
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Erik ten Hag has often utilised Fred from the bench so far this season, and former Chelsea and England midfielder Cole says he is surprised by how often the United man has been playing in Qatar.
"I am surprised with how much Fred has played during this tournament," Cole told ITV's pre-match coverage. "Fabinho is going through a tricky period at Liverpool, he was majestic before this season. His ball retention was good, his forward passes were excellent.
"He is a little bit off form, but Fred is the surprise one for me. He seems to be a different player when he pulls on the Brazil shirt. He plays with freedom and pops up in some great positions in forward areas."
Cole also praised the individual performance of United winger Antony in Brazil's defeat to Cameroon, suggesting that he put the African side under 'immense pressure' throughout the clash.
He said: "They (Cameroon) are under immense pressure because of that man Antony. He is constantly asking questions and when you look at the defenders, they are doubling up on him and the amount of times he has wriggled out and he is driving at them."
Antony has been impressive for Ten Hag's side since arriving from Ajax in the summer transfer window. The Brazilian scored three goals in his first three Premier League matches for the Red.
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