Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti announced his squad for the November international friendlies on Monday. Out of the 26 players called up for the matches against Tunisia and Senegal, nine currently play in the Premier League. The world’s top domestic league has clearly become a benchmark for the most successful national team in football history.

And that number could have been even higher — almost forming a full starting XI — if Alisson (Liverpool) and Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) hadn’t been ruled out through injury.

Still, many fans and journalists in Brazil have questioned this strong focus on the English league. So, Sofascore breaks down the performance of each Premier League-based player selected by Ancelotti, highlighting their average ratings and key stats from the current season.

+ Ancelotti’s Brazil: review of first six matches

The nine “english” players:

Gabriel Magalhães – 7.36

A defensive pillar for league leaders Arsenal, Gabriel averages six clearances per game and has played every match so far, scoring once and assisting twice.

Bruno Guimarães – 7.18

The Newcastle captain and former Athletico Paranaense midfielder remains indispensable for the Magpies. He has started all nine matches, contributing three goals and one assist.

+ Premier League Matchday 10 Review

Lucas Paquetá – 7.18

Free from the betting investigation that surrounded him earlier this year, the West Ham playmaker is having a strong season despite the team’s struggles. He has started every league game, scoring three goals.

Casemiro – 7.11

The Manchester United veteran is a guaranteed name on any Ancelotti list — a relationship built during their Real Madrid days. Even without that history, his form speaks for itself: eight starts in 10 matches, with three goals and one assist.

Matheus Cunha – 7.04

After shining at Wolves, Cunha is adapting to life at Manchester United, now playing more as an attacking midfielder than a traditional striker. His passing accuracy (nearly 90%) stands out, though he has only one goal so far.

João Pedro – 7.03

In excellent form for Chelsea, João Pedro has started all ten league games, producing three goals and three assists, and has twice made the Team of the Week.

Richarlison – 6.89

The Tottenham forward and former Fluminense star hasn’t quite matched João Pedro’s numbers but remains an important figure under Ancelotti, who coached him at Everton. He’s scored three goals and provided two assists in ten appearances (five as a starter)..

Estêvão – 6.86

The 18-year-old is still finding his rhythm at Chelsea, featuring in nine games (four starts), with one goal and one assist.

+ Estevão or Endrick: Who’s Closer to 2026 World Cup?

Andrey Santos – 6.60

Also at Chelsea, Andrey is fighting for a place in Enzo Maresca’s plans after two loan spells. He has started just twice in the Premier League this season.

Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup

Among the nine players, Gabriel Magalhães, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá, and Casemiro are almost certain to be part of Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad — all coincidentally with the top Sofascore ratings. Only injuries or a major dip in form could keep them out.

Richarlison could also fit that group, given his bond with Ancelotti, but his 13-match goal drought for Brazil (since December 2022) might work against him. The competition for attacking spots is fierce, especially with fellow Premier League players Matheus Cunha and João Pedro in the mix.

Regardless of their World Cup chances, these nine Premier League-based Brazilians will feel right at home in the first friendly of the November window: Brazil vs. Senegal on November 15 in London, followed by Tunisia on November 18 in Lille, France.

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