Each and every player in the Brazil squad are enjoying their peak years as footballers. Neymar was only 22 in the last World Cup. This time around, he is 26. Meanwhile, Thiago Silva and Miranda are in the final stages of their best years – both are 33 – as defenders always hit their peak between 30 and 34.
Marcelo is precisely 30, which means that this is his last World Cup in his optimum speed and agility. The same can be said for Fagner, who is 29-years-old. In attack, Coutinho is 26 – which is the best age for an attacking midfielder – while Willian is 29.
The only relatively inexperienced player here is Gabriel Jesus, who is only 21-years-old, but it doesn’t really matter because 95% of the team are enjoying their best players and Brazil are only just a sub away from bringing in Firmino, who is 26 and has hit his best after being coached by Jurgen Klopp.