Carlo Ancelotti Labels Jair Cunha a 'Positive Surprise' for Brazil

Jair Cunha has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest so far this season, and now the Brazilian defender is showcasing his talent on a global stage.

Initially introduced as a Forest first-team regular at the back end of last season, after his compatriot Murillo suffered a season-ending hamstring injury, he has been back in from the start so far this season.

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With an extra position in the heart of defence, due to Oliver Glasner's introduction of a 3-4-2-1 system, and new signing Ousmane Diomande needing time to get up to speed, the starting role was Jair's to make the most of.

Make the most of the opportunity he has, to the extent that Diomande, before the international break, was unable to dislodge the Brazilian from his starting role.

So good has his form been at the start of the campaign, he was rewarded with his first-ever senior Brazilian call-up.

Jair made his debut as a late substitute in Brazil's 1-1 draw away to Australia last week, and was handed his first start in a second friendly against Australia on Tuesday.

Once again, the 21-year-old seized the opportunity with both hands, earning plaudits as one of Brazil's best players in their eventual 4-2 win.

Praise for Jair and young talents

Speaking before the game, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti praised his nation's emerging young talents, as the South American juggernauts embark on a new era following a disappointing World Cup campaign.

“The priority now is to build a new generation of footballers who can accompany the national team in the near future, which is the Copa America and the World Cup,” Ancelotti said.

“It may be that today the 26 aren’t the absolute best, but we have to do something. We have to closely follow the young players who can represent the future.

“Until a year ago, a player who wasn’t playing wasn’t called up. Now, if a player isn’t playing for his club but we think he’s good for the future of the national team, I will call him up.”

Ancelotti also name-checked Jair, among others, for praise, following his debut for the senior Brazil team last week.

“It’s a really exciting, really interesting moment to look at new players, young players,” Ancelotti said. “We’re looking at players 17, 18, 19 years old. We’re looking at young players who are really, really talented. And we hope to have the possibility, the opportunity to help them grow faster.

"The young players who are here, I like all of them. Breno Bidon is a player who has a lot of quality and is doing very well in the league. I liked Arthur Dias a lot, whom I didn’t know. The goalkeepers, Gabriel Bontempo, Jair, are all positive surprises.”

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