Neymar has won 101 caps for the Selecao, scoring 61 goals in the process and rising to third in Brazil’s all-time top scorers list, behind Pele and Luis Ronaldo. The 28-year-old has also featured in two World Cups for the South American country.
Neymar’s only success at the senior level came in the 2013 Confederation Cup, where Brazil thumped the-then World Cup holders Spain at Estadio Maracana.
The former Barcelona and Santos man missed the opportunity to win the Copa America last summer, after a late injury kept him out from Tite’s squad, but Brazil went on to win their ninth continental trophy.
Tite has praised the quality Neymar brings to the national team, but was quick to add that he is not irreplaceable.
“Neymar reassures you, because he brings unpredictability to your game” the 48-year-old Brazilian told France Football.
“Because he will offer you an individual or collective solution that others cannot, and with him, the potential of a team is not the same, because he will sparkle. The Neymar I am speaking of is the one who was within full mental and physical capacities.”
“Neymar is essential, but not irreplaceable.”
