“Dirty and Corrupt” – Pundit outraged over West Ham player being chosen ahead of alternative

Pundit Neto has expressed his anger at Brazil’s continued selection of West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá over Palmeiras midfielder Raphael Veiga.

Brazil’s recent performances have been under scrutiny, with tension remaining high around the Selecao despite two wins in the last international break.

One of the main issues is the use of certain players whose form has dipped or fluctuated recently.

Paquetá is a key example, with his off-field troubles, including an FA charge for breaching betting regulations and a related investigation in Brazil, seemingly affecting his on-field performances.

Despite this, he continues to be called up to the national team, at the expense of other players.

One player notably left out is Veiga, who has been in excellent form for Palmeiras in 2024, with 17 goals and seven assists in 50 games.

He has been a standout performer for his club, making his absence from the national team even more controversial.

Neto, in particular, is outraged by this situation, viewing it as an insult to Veiga’s achievements.

“He (Veiga) is the best left midfielder and the best player in Brazilian football over the past five years.

Yet, you’re backing a guy (Paquetá) under investigation for yellow cards,” he said.

Neto didn’t hold back, calling out Brazilian football as “dirty” and “corrupt,” expressing disgust that Veiga is not the national team’s number 10.

He emphasized Veiga’s consistency, noting his lack of injuries or disciplinary issues, his versatility, and his perseverance through challenges like being loaned out and playing in multiple positions.

Neto praised Veiga as one of the best players in Brazilian football, highlighting his professionalism and consistency, while lamenting that such a talented player remains excluded from the national team.