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The 2018 World Cup is approaching and one of the tournament favourites, Brazil, have been pitted alongside Switzerland, Serbia and Costa Rica in Group E. It will be a huge surprise if they don't finish as group winners.
Brazil boss Tite has announced 23-man squad which will try to lead the Selecao to glory for the sixth time. There are at least two brilliant players in every position who are battling for a spot in the starting line-up.
For example, Alisson Becker and Ederson, Willian and Philippe Coutinho, Fernandinho and Casemiro, and finally Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino.
This season, Jesus won the Premier League title with Manchester City. On the other hand, Firmino is going to play in the Champions League final this Saturday.
Tite must decide which of these two players will start at the World Cup in Russia. Here are three reasons why Jesus should start for Brazil at World Cup 2018.
#1 Brazil don't need a false nine
Roberto Firmino is the engine of Liverpool and definitely the best false nine in the world. This season, Firmino played 53 matches in all competitions for the Reds. He scored 27 goals and also provided 17 assists.
Firmino is one of the first names on the team sheet for Liverpool because of his defensive work, creativity, movement and work rate
Firmino is the main player in Jurgen Klopp's high-intensity system but things are totally different when it comes to Brazil national squad.
Brazil's system needs a striker that can run in behind rather than a player that plays as a false nine. Tite wants a target man and that's why he relied on Jesus in the previous matches.
#2 Gabriel Jesus is a more talented finisher
Jesus's overall contribution to the team is much lower in comparison to Firmino. But that is not so important for Tite's style of play. Jesus is a pure number 9 with a lot of potential. He is also a more talented finisher than Firmino.
These facts make Jesus more suitable for the Selecao. Jesus has been injured for the majority of this season, but despite that, he scored 17 goals in 42 appearances for Pep Guardiola's team.
Brazil have a very creative midfield and because of that Firmino's creativity isn't as vital. Jesus is a slightly better option against teams that play deep.
#3 Jesus scores more goals for Brazil than Firmino
Gabriel Jesus made his debut for Brazil in September 2016 against Ecuador. This was a dream debut for Jesus because he started the match and scored twice. In 15 matches for Brazil, Jesus scored 9 goals.
On the other side, Firmino made his debut in November 2014 in a 4-0 win against Turkey. In 19 matches for Brazil, Firmino has scored only 5 goals.
Obviously, Jesus scores more goals for Brazil than Firmino. Why complicate things?
