The Brazil squad was announced today for the friendlies that lead up to the Copa America. Alex was, again, not picked. My question is, if Alex is healthy all year, is he the kind of player that would be picked? I think he has the quality to get picked if he is healthy. He has always been one of our best defenders when healthy. Here are the defenders that were picked:

Defenders: Dani Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (Inter Milan), Andre Santos (Fenerbahce), Adriano (Barcelona), Lucio (Inter Milan), David Luiz (Chelsea), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Luisao (Benfica).

He should be in the squad, but maybe they decided to give him a rest since he's just returned from injury. This is just a friendly after all, so why risk anything?

That said, he do have some very strong competition. Luisao, Lucio, Luiz and Silva. Those are some really good defenders.

Personally I think that Alex is a bit better than Luiz right now, but I guess Luiz is more "brasilian" than Alex and might be picked ahead of him because of that.

No Ronaldihno, No Kaka. They need Alex for free kicks.

thought that I could post this here:

When is the copa america? and will it effect our brazilian players pre season?

does anyone think it may have a negative effect ... eg another tournament and then another season.

cheers

They don't rate him in Brazil it seems. Lucio is about the only one who I might pick ahead of him.

Alex has always been overlooked in the Brazil squad. He's only made 17 appearances for them, for a player of his quality, I think that's a scandal. David Luiz is GOING TO BE a great defender, but he has some way to go before he gets to Alex's level of security he gives us at the back. Plus he has one of the best long range free kicks around. I really don't understand why he gets snubbed so regularly. Must be gutting for the guy.

Defenders: Dani Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (Inter Milan), Andre Santos (Fenerbahce), Adriano (Barcelona), Lucio (Inter Milan), David Luiz (Chelsea), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Luisao (Benfica).

Another surprising omission in that lineup seems to be Juan, unless he is injured I cant think of a reason he is dropped too. Luisao and Silva are pretty good defenders but when fit i'd like to think Alex is an automatic selection ahead of the two. Though Brazil's national team selection has always surprised fans given the managers that they have had recently.