The Selecao boss named 7 potential Olympians in his squad for the tournament in USA and is confident he's found a good blend of youth and experience
Brazil coach Dunga included a number of new faces in his 23-man squad for June’s Copa America Centenario and is confident the five-time world champions have the players to compete for their ninth crown.
The Selecao cut 17 players from their preliminary squad on Thursday, confirming the final 23 that included seven youngsters eligible for the Rio Olympics.
And Dunga believes the tournament in the USA will provide vital experience to those ready to lead the charge for the Selecao’s first gold medal at August’s games.
“I think we're taking a very competitive team to a major tournament, which will provide experience for players of the Olympic team,” Dunga said.
“Some who are not on this list, we already know about and so we prefer to take the opportunity to look at some new faces.
“We always embrace the suggestions of the fans and also the press. Our list is never closed to anyone, there is always opportunities.
“Those who are not on this list may have opportunity to return when the time is right.”
Dunga went on to insist he had selected a squad that blends youth and experience, with the likes of Santos starlet Gabigol and Atletico Mineiro’s Douglas Santos hoping to make their senior debuts alongside established internationals.
"We have a strong base of experienced players who can offer support for the less experienced,” he said.
“We think that these players were deserving of an opportunity and that is what they are being given."
Brazil have been drawn in Group B of the Copa America alongside Ecuador, Haiti and Peru.
The squad will convene in Los Angeles on May 22 before heading to Denver for their Chevrolet Basil Global Tour clash with Panama on May 29.
While the Copa America is usually played every four years, 2016 sees a special edition of the tournament to commemorate its 100-year anniversary.
It will be played outside of the continent for the first time and feature six teams from North American confederation CONCACAF.
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