The Brazil team is finally taking shape at the World Cup, and former midfielder Lucas Leiva has identified Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha as the key to Carlo Ancelotti's adaptable system.
"It looks like Carlo Ancelotti has found his best XI and we have improved and gained momentum and confidence with each game of the group stage," Leiva told BBC Sport. "We are getting better at the right time and we have to be, because Japan will be a big challenge in the last 32."
“Lucas Leiva says Brazil is finally taking shape at the World Cup, with Matheus Cunha as the key to Carlo Ancelotti's system.”
Leiva highlighted Cunha as crucial to Brazil's improvement. "It feels like we are on track, and a big part of that is down to Matheus Cunha," he said. "He is the key to a lot of what we are doing so well."
Cunha, who has scored three goals in the tournament so far, is not a classic number nine – a role traditionally expected by the Brazil public. Instead, Leiva described him as a "nine-and-a-half" – a player who can operate as a striker but also drop deep to link play and create for others. In some ways, Leiva said, Cunha reminds him of his former Liverpool team-mate Roberto Firmino.
"He is always dropping deep, and giving the defender marking him a doubt about what to do," Leiva explained. "If the defender follows him, it gives more space and freedom to Vinicius Jr and Rayan. If the defender leaves Cunha, then he has time to play between the lines, get on the ball and look for passes or shoot."
Leiva also noted Cunha's defensive contribution. "Cunha seems very happy and comfortable with his role, including the defensive side of it when he starts the press or plays almost like a number six in front of the midfield," he said.
Until recently, Brazil's starting centre-forward was unclear. Leiva revealed that Ancelotti tried several options – including Cunha, Igor Thiago, Endrick, Joao Pedro and Richarlison – before settling on a combination. "It was very strange for Brazil to be going into a World Cup without knowing who our best number nine was," Leiva said. "Even until the Scotland game, no-one knew who the first choice centre-forward would be. I don't think Ancelotti knew before the tournament either."
Injuries, however, may have helped the manager make a decision. "Sometimes, though, injuries help a manager make decisions. You can almost stumble on to a combination that works well and this time maybe one has helped Brazil," Leiva said, pointing out that Raphinha, who prefers to move around a lot, played as a number 10 in the first game against Morocco.
With Japan awaiting in the last 32, Brazil's confidence is growing – and Cunha remains at the heart of Ancelotti's plans.