Brazil boss Tite hails competition for World Cup places

RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil manager Tite has revealed he will prioritise team balance when he chooses his squad for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Tite praised the fierce competition for places, in particular in attack, where Brazil has an embarrassment of riches.

"I believe that the balance of sectors (on the pitch) is fundamental," Tite told Brazil's SporTV, reports Xinhua. "It's a great challenge because we have to put together a puzzle that is a football team."

Tite said he has not yet decided upon his preferred starting lineup, citing six possible candidates for the central striker's role. He said that each player could contribute unique characteristics.

"We have Richarlison, who is a No. 9, as well as Gabriel Jesus, Matheus Cunha and Pedro," Tite said.

"I can't rule out Gabriel Barbosa and then there is Firmino. He is a 10 who became a 9. He's also been used as a midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 at Liverpool," he added.

Brazil have been drawn in the World Cup's Group G alongside Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon. The tournament will run from November 20 to December 18.