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Ancelotti challenges Neymar to prove he can be 'important' to Brazil

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Ancelotti and Neymar met ahead of Paraguay tie</li><li>Coach confirms he will count on injured Santos star</li><li>Italian revealed which position he will likely play</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Carlo Ancelotti insists 'very dangerous' Neymar will play huge role for Brazil when fit as new coach shared hug with injury-plagued Santos star ahead of Paraguay win

Serie A

Santos FC

Palmeiras

<p>Brazil head coach Ancelotti has reassured everyone that Neymar will remain a key part of his plans in the next 12 months as long as he remains fit, stating that the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain man "can play anywhere" on the pitch and create an impact.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The latter half of Neymar's career has been marked by a constant struggle with injuries, having been sidelined for long spells on numerous occasions since the 2017-18 season. Despite <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/santos-president-speaks-out-neymar-future-after-ex-psg-and-barcelona-superstar-latest-injury-setback/bltbec6a65c5d585f6e" target="_blank">enduring fitness issues since reuniting with boyhood club Santos</a>, Ancelotti confirmed last month that <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/counting-on-him-carlo-ancelotti-explains-neymar-omission-brazil-squad-santos-star-key-role/blt17867baeee3d686a" target="_blank">he will be counting on the talisman to lead the Selecao at the World Cup next year</a>.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Speaking to reporters after the win over Paraguay, Ancelotti said: "I saw Neymar at the hotel, we hugged. When he is well, he can play anywhere on the field. Today he could do the same job as [Matheus] Cunha, as a number 10. In that position he can be very dangerous. [Against Paraguay] we played with four forwards, the team was balanced. It’s not a problem to play with four, three or two forwards. It’s about having 10 players who run, who sacrifice themselves. Rodrygo has done this many times, we know him very well. Neymar can also do this without any problem."
</p>

WHAT CARLO ANCELOTTI SAID

<p>Neymar will be praying that he can escape his struggles with injury and regain his best form, since next year's World Cup could be the superstar's final shot at lifting the coveted trophy with Brazil. He is into the final few weeks of his Santos contract, with no developments regarding a renewal thus far. Neymar's father, in a recent interview, confirmed that <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/neymar-dad-offers-update-brazil-superstar-future-santos/blt7a77f41303b4ac9a" target="_blank">he wants his son to continue at Santos</a>.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?

Carlo Ancelotti insists 'very dangerous' Neymar will play huge role for Brazil when fit as new coach shared hug with injury-plagued Santos star ahead of Paraguay win | Goal.com

Carlo Ancelotti met with Neymar ahead of Brazil&apos;s win over Paraguay and confirmed that the injured Santos star will play a huge role at the World Cup.

Carlo Ancelotti insists &apos;very dangerous&apos; Neymar will play huge role for Brazil when fit as new coach shared hug with injury-plagued Santos star ahead of Paraguay win

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