Joao Pedro: Chelsea team-mate Cole Palmer good enough to break into Brazil team

By SABC Sport
28th May 2026

Joao Pedro reckons Chelsea team-mate Cole Palmer would not look out of place starting for Brazil - praising his intelligence and creative intensity.

The 24-year-old striker made the comments while reflecting on his early impressions of the squad.

Speaking during an appearance on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, he also reflected that both he and Palmer were surprise omissions from their respective World Cup squads.

"He's very intelligent. He's magic," the Brazilian said.

"I said to him before, 'I didn't think you were that good.' And he looked at me [with a quizzical expression]. But now, because I play with him, yeah, he's different.

"I said to him, 'Why don't you come to Brazil? Take the number 10 there, mate. No problem.'

"Because in Brazil, we don't have this guy. If you watch us we play 4-2-4. We don't have a number 10," he added.

"Cole is a different guy. Sometimes he's quiet, but then [snaps fingers]. One second, he's changed the game. So he's very good."

Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti selected Neymar in place of other attacking options, while England hopefuls Morgan Rogers and Noni Madueke were included after forcing their way into Thomas Tuchel's plans.

Neymar has missed Santos' last three matches and Brazil's first training camp session due to a bruised right calf, though he has stated the issue will not affect his World Cup participation.