Brazil's Olympic Starting XI: Holding Lucas Moura Back Is Right for His Progress

Some may say he's deserving of a place in Brazil's starting XI. There's also a thought that £30 million is a fair price for a teenager who's untested in European football. Lucas Moura, however, is a case of reputation greatly enhancing ability.

As sports fans, we naturally over exaggerate a player's current ability. With Lucas Moura, there certainly isn't a case to be made for him being on the scene for a number of years—he's only 19. Like the rest of the talented Brazil squad, he has become a hot topic throughout this summer.

Lucas is one of the reasons many will be following the Brazil squad at this summer's Olympics, and his is a talent that warrants attention.

Not only is it right to hold Lucas back from a starting role in the first XI, but he also has no place ahead of much more established figures.

Yes, the Brazil squad is young—a compliance with the rules of the tournament—and it's hard to argue the case for "established" players ahead of him. But Lucas would likely take up a role on either flank, where Neymar is shifting for no one; Hulk was chosen as one of the over-age options in the squad.

Hulk's experience in European competition is a bonus for the team, but so is his contribution and ability in front of goal. The Porto striker, who has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs, has shown in the build-up to the Olympics exactly what he's capable of. A striker who is better suited to the wide positions, he naturally takes a starting role on Neymar's opposite flank.

And as for Leandro Damiao, he's likely to figure as Brazil's first-choice striker going into the next World Cup. Neymar is able to play that role, but the power and presence offered by Leandro makes him an easy favourite as the lone striker.

What has been uncomfortable reading of late has been the possible transfer of Lucas to Manchester United. To reiterate, he's a hugely talented prospect whom many are after. But where's the sense in setting up an inexperienced teenager for a great fall from the heights of a £30 million price tag?

Like many of the other options in the Brazil squad, Lucas' talent in front of goal is clear. At the age of 19, he may yet blossom into a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo that Manchester United need. But that time is not now—at least not in this transfer window.

The Brazil management are right to ease Lucas into the starting XI. After all, while the Olympics are important for Brazil, it is a necessary rehearsal for their World Cup in two years.

His youth lends to obvious flaws in his levels of consistency. And while Brazil are expected to breeze through much of the competition, mistakes should not have to linger on the shoulders of a player that much is expected from.

There's no truth in the desire to see little from the player this summer—the Olympics are an excellent stage to witness the development of football's brightest stars. But there is a need to understand that forcing a player into the limelight can be detrimental to his development. The attitude of a player needs to be right, as well as the ability to move on from setbacks.

Right now, with expectations high, it's absolutely necessary for Mano Menezes to put out the fire of excitement before it spreads and give Lucas a peripheral role. At least for now.