Miranda Proves His Worth to Dunga's New-Look Brazil

While Brazil continue to battle the sea of change, negotiating the choppy waters of a first competitive tournament since that World Cup disaster, amidst the search for a new identity, there has been one constant presence.

Players have been tried and tested, formations tinkered with, while the overriding dependence on Neymar, for the time being at least, remains a thorn that should ideally be removed as soon as possible.

But, for all of Neymar’s heroics and histrionics, there has arguably been another player that deserves to have been given the “dependencia” tag by the Brazilian press: imposing centre-half Miranda.

The Atletico Madrid stopper is the only player to have been a part of every game since the World Cup. Against Venezuela, he was handed the captain’s armband in the enforced absence of Neymar, the dropping of David Luiz, and ahead of Thiago Silva, his new partner at the back and the man who had led Brazil at last year’s World Cup.

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

A latecomer to the international stage, who is only now establishing himself in the yellow of Brazil at the age of 30, arguably the greatest folly of Luiz Felipe Scolari’s ill-fated World Cup mission was to neglect to include Miranda—fresh from winning the Spanish league title with Atletico—in his 23-man squad, let alone the starting XI.

For the record, Bayern Munich’s Dante and Henrique, who had recently moved to Napoli, were preferred to the imposing man who was fast becoming an idol at Vicente Calderon.

Since Scolari’s exit, however, he was drafted in immediately by predecessor Dunga, and has never looked back. With Thiago Silva ruled out of the side’s first two matches of the new Dunga era, Miranda partnered David Luiz at the heart of the defence, the pair striking up an understanding and partnership that has formed the basis of the coach’s loosely shaped 4-2-4.

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The Selecao had been airtight in friendlies prior to the Copa America, conceding just two goals in 10 outings, and despite failing to keep a clean sheet at the continental competition thus far, no blame can be laid at the feet of the No. 3. He has proved to be a leader, an astute reader of the game and a consistent performer at the highest level of the game.

His ascension to the highest echelons of the sport has been underlined by the decision to make him captain less than a year after becoming a regular in the side. His calming presence at the back is indeed reminiscent of Thiago Silva, and, despite taking a while, Brazil now take to the field with the two finest central defenders of their generation guarding the back door.

In many ways, Miranda is symbolic of the changes Dunga has tried to instill since returning to his post. Namely, that of creating a team packed with leaders, who are unafraid to take responsibility on the pitch.

Jorge Saenz/Associated Press

Jefferson is a leader at Botafogo, Thiago Silva and Miranda are both authoritative voices, and, as covered yesterday, a new Robinho could have a bearing on Brazil’s route to Copa America glory.

What was evident against Venezuela is that this team does not lack players who love to be in possession of the ball. The likes of Daniel Alves, Elias and Willian, who was again the side’s chief creative force, have added a new hungry dimension to this team.

But that expression of offensive intent would be futile without the solid foundations of an airtight defence. And in Miranda, Dunga has found the perfect base on which to build those foundations.

As the game neared its end and Venezuela pushed for an equalizer, Brazilian nerves were jangling. Buoyed by their new leader, no heads were lost as victory was attained.

He has been a key part of Atletico’s ascent towards the summit of Spanish football, which saw them win the league title and reach the final of the UEFA Champions League in the 2013/14 season. In total, he has made 178 appearances for the club from Spain’s capital, and is on the verge of securing a move to Italian giants Internazionale, as reported by Goal.

As usual, there is much fanfare around Neymar, even in his absence. Brazilian newspaper columns and television broadcasts continue to be filled by the Barcelona star and Brazil captain, but the man who has temporarily taken the armband is slowly and quietly proving his own worth to the side.

You don’t build a house on sand, the old adage goes. A solid foundation is needed to support the entire structure. For Dunga’s Brazil, Miranda is that rock.