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Kaka impressed by new generation of Brazilian stars
Oct 12, 2012 12:30:00 AM
The former World Player of the Year was elated with his long-awaited return to the Selecao and believes the future is bright with a new wave of Samba players coming through
Midfielder Kaka was overjoyed with his return performance against Iraq getting on the scoresheet as they ran out 6-0 winners but was even more impressed by the latest young talent to emerge from Brazil.It had been two years since the former Milan star had appeared for his national side following a couple of largely inconsistent seasons at Real Madrid.
However, in recent weeks, the 30-year-old has worked his way back into Jose Mourinho's team and was rewarded with a recall to the Brazil squad.
Kaka was happy with his display but was also impressed by the upcoming generation of samba stars.
"It's nice to get back to training and to meet the new players. I believe that this new generation is very good. I'm also happy to have scored a goal," he told reporters after the game.
"Regardless of the opponent, the game was important for us. I took it seriously as we all did. It is important to play well and to score was even better."
Two of Brazil's brightest young prospects, Neymar and Oscar, played alongside Kaka in attack and both had nothing but praise for the Real Madrid ace.
"It was wonderful to play with him. He's a true playmaker and we got along very well. Despite missing some understanding, I think this will only improve with more games," Neymar told reporters.
Meanwhile, Chelsea's Oscar, whose second goal was set up by Kaka, said: "He [Kaka] played the ball into me so I could score and he played his part. He is helping a lot."
Brazil coach Mano Menezes was also happy with Kaka's contribution while highlighting the growing importance of Oscar and his overall satisfaction with his team's performance.
"It's hard to put a player into the squad who has not had much time to integrate and only trained for 30 minutes. However, Kaka's knowledge and ability makes it easier," Menezes told reporters.
"With him playing well with the team it helps others around him to player better, too.
"Oscar is the No.10 for this Brazilian team. He has all the right attributes and is growing. He is young, yes, but he is always developing. Oscar is smart and his style suits how we played today. He is a very important player.
"I am left satisfied with all the players. But we need to play well against any opponent, even rivals with a much higher level of play. We also have to make fewer mistakes, as mistakes against better teams are often costly."
Menezes then discussed his use of a target man, with Hulk having assumed this role against the Iraqis while revealing that he has almost already decided on his squad for next years' Confederations Cup.
He added: "We have 11 positions and therefore need to make choices. We've played without a target man against Mexico and China. But, of course, even when we do, we cannot play with more than one at a time.
"We have options in players like Damian, [Leandro Damaio] Pato, Luis Fabiano and Fred. Surely, we will have a player with the characteristics of a target man in that group.
"Yes, I have almost chosen the team. Most players who will be in the Confederations Cup are what we are seeing."
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