Manchester United midfielder Fred is one of Brazil’s most reliable figures and he was once again at the centre of the action as he helped his side to a point against Argentina on Tuesday night.
Brazil had already sealed qualification to next year’s World Cup but as ever, clashes with Argentina are a spectacle and despite the 0-0 scoreline, it was no different this time around.
A tightly contested affair almost reached the boiling point in the first half as several members of both teams came to blows but Fred, as calm as ever, maintained control of the Brazil midfield.
The 28-year-old nearly left as his nation’s hero as he almost struck gold in the first half. A corner dropped to him outside the box and after controlling it with his left foot, he unleashed a venomous volley with his weak foot, as seen below. Unfortunately, the strike cannoned off the crossbar and the breakthrough wasn’t found for either side.
Footage courtesy of BeIN Sports
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SN’s verdict on Fred’s performances…
Manchester United’s midfield has been a cause for concern in recent years and Fred has been at the centre of attention. Clearly, the former Shakhtar Donetsk star is a talented footballer and Brazil’s reliance on him is a testament to that.
Tite, Brazil’s manager, very rarely looks beyond Fred when he picks his midfield and one of Fabinho and Casemiro is often left to watch from the sidelines.
Fred was flawless against Argentina and although he could not avenge the Copa America loss, the performance will do him the world of good as he prepares to face Watford with Manchester United.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have been left delighted with Fred’s performances over the international break and the Norwegian will need him to replicate that form in the coming weeks.
