Young United right-back Rafael was given his first
international call-up to the Brazil squad this week, and his
elevation to the Selecao marks a fully-warranted milestone in his
burgeoning career.
Brazil face USA in New Jersey next month, and Rafael is getting
good practice on American soil against American opponents during
United’s US tour before meeting up with his national team
colleagues on 10 August. Two days later he could make his debut in
the famous yellow jersey.
New Brazil coach Mano Menezes, who replaced Dunga after his side’s
failed World Cup campaign, has named just four players from the
squad that went to South Africa. In doing so, he is sending out a
clear message: impress me. No Kaka. No Luis Fabiano. No Julio
Cesar. The only players retained are Daniel Alves, Ramires, Thiago
Silva and Robinho. In come 11 potential debutants, of which Rafael
is one.
I interviewed Rafael last season after he'd just faced Ronaldinho
against AC Milan at the San Siro. And we spoke about what a dream
it would be for him to play for his country at the next World Cup
in Brazil, on home soild in front of millions of adoring fans. Not
that a path into the team hasn’t been swept clear by Menezes'
latest selection. Maicon was one of Brazil’s few outstanding
performers in South Africa in Rafael’s position, while Daniel Alves
is an accomplished full-back. Rafael has his work cut out.
Since moving to United in 2008, Rafael has shown that he has bags
of potential – he’s just six games shy of 50 United appearances and
he only waved goodbye to his teens on 9 July. But speak to a
handful of keen United observers and one or more will no doubt use
the word ‘raw’ to describe his abilities.
He isn’t scared of throwing himself into tackles, putting his body
on the line for the United cause – but in doing so he sometimes
induces a collective gasp at Old Trafford. One slight misjudgement
and he could enter the referee's book, or worse, be given his
marching orders. On that note, people might point to his red card
against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals last
season. “That red card killed us,” Sir Alex said at the time. But
he added: “Rafael was having a marvellous game and it was a tragedy
for him.”
You can castigate someone for inexperience. And from that
performance at Old Trafford against Bayern, we should take his
contribution to a rip-roaring first-half United display, not a
single display of immaturity – even then he was unfortunate to be
sent for an early bath.
His rough edges will become smoothed; his feisty sliding tackles
will become well-timed interceptions; his mistakes will make him
stronger.
Personally, I like Rafael’s raw aggression. He’s fearless. And
that’s a characteristic you can’t instil in somebody. But you can
hone it. Like Rooney. Like Keane (sometimes). It’s either there or
it isn’t. In many ways, that’s what makes Rafael so suited to
United, and particularly the type of player Sir Alex goes for; an
undeniably strong personality, combining aggression (used
positively) with technical ability.
There’s just one more point to raise. Now that Benitez has stopped
weaving his magic at Anfield, are we safe to adopt Rafa – the name
our Rafael is known by to his team-mates and the coaches? I’ll
leave that one with you. It might be too soon. But call him what
you like, our Rafa is here to stay for a long time. I’m confident
that, unlike his namesake, this call up to Brazil shows that his
career is only on the rise.
