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When the Brazilian Federation announced that Neymar would be representing his national team at the Olympics and not the Copa America Centenario this summer, soccer fans in Pasadena, Orlando and Foxborough released a collective groan.
Without their star player, will Brazil still be "can’t miss" as a traveling spectacle? Formerly descending upon cities like the Harlem Globetrotters with their dazzling array of tricks, skills and household names, you can’t help but feel that this Brazilian squad is comparatively poor.
While Hulk and Willian don’t exactly set the pulses racing like Kaka or Ronaldinho once did, there is one member of the Selecao who is worth the price of admission alone: Bayern Munich’s Douglas Costa.
The 25-year-old, diminutive winger remains a relative unknown outside well-informed footballing circles. Through no fault of his own, Costa went under the mainstream radar while enjoying six hugely successful seasons with Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukrainian Premier League.
The Ukrainian first division may not attract a whole lot of interest abroad, but his speed, creativity and dribbling ability did not go unnoticed by some of the top clubs in Europe.
Bayern Munich snapped up the Brazilian for a €30 million fee and a 5-year contract. Costa immediately settled into life in the Bundesliga, becoming a trusted player for Pep Guardiola’s side.
In 26 Bundesliga matches, Costa has recorded 4 goals and 9 assists. His 81% pass accuracy also demonstrates his superb crossing and decision making ability. He’s quickly become a fan favorite in Bavaria, dazzling spectators with a repertoire of feints, flicks and step overs.
At his best, Costa made Bayern Munich fans forget all about injuries to Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben. Their absences allowed Costa to shine, and the same thing may happen this summer with Neymar out of the picture. Neymar has traditionally been the focal point of the Brazilian attack, with all attacking thrusts funnelling through him at some point.
At the Copa America, Brazil will be looking for someone else to play with verve and directness — attributes which define Costa's style of play.
Douglas Costa will be looking to celebrate with Brazil this summer. Photo: @Bundesliga_EN | Twitter
In a Brazilian team that has returned to pragmatism rather than romance under hard-nosed manager Dunga, Douglas Costa will be relied on to provide the magic that will unlock defenses intent on frustrating the five-time world champions.
Costa is still relatively wet behind the ears with Brazil. He’s been capped 16 times while scoring three goals, including two in 2018 World Cup qualification. However, with Brazil leaving out Neymar, Oscar and Roberto Firmino, the time has come for Douglas Costa to replicate his club form with Brazil. Succeed in doing so, and he’ll be a household name across the planet.
