Nottingham Forest player-to-be Gustavo Scarpa has been praised by Brazil manager Tite and told that he could still be a part of their World Cup squad later this year.
The 28-year-old attacking midfielder has signed a pre-contract agreement with the Reds to arrive at the City Ground once his contract with Brazilian club Palmeiras expires at the end of this calendar year. Scarpa is enjoying a strong final season with the São Paulo-based club, scoring ten goals and assisting another ten across almost 50 appearances since the start of this year.
Such fine form, which has fired his side atop the Brasileirão and currently eight points clear of Internacional, is only increasing the clamour for the one-cap international to be called up once again by the national team. That sole appearance came back in a friendly against Colombia back in January 2017, but the Brazil boss has opened to door to another arriving sooner rather than later.
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Asked about the player, Tite is quoted in UOL [via Sport Witness ] as saying: “Yes, I really like Scarpa. Some time ago, I asked about Scarpa’s situation.
"He was called up when he was at Fluminense. He has a creative ability, with mobility. He’s a very good player, he has peripheral vision."
“The national team needs to affirm its consolidation in these two games. Is this call serving as an opportunity? Yes. If it was [final] a call-up, would they be the same names? No.
“Anyone who didn’t get called up can still go. They’re running and we’ll be following along. It’s consolidating, it’s giving these athletes the opportunity to play.”
The latter comments will also come as a boost to fellow Brazil international Renan Lodi. The 15-cap loanee has again been left out of the most recent squad despite signing for Forest from Atlético Madrid.
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