Lucas Moura has matured in Europe – Dunga

Brazil coach Dunga says Lucas Moura has returned to the Brazil squad a better player following his time in European football with French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

The 23-year-old made his first international appearances since 2013 in September’s Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour double-header against Costa Rica and USA, earning rave reviews in his homeland for his showing against the Americans.

He was recalled to the squad for October’s World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Venezuela and Dunga is pleased with his progression since joining PSG from Sao Paulo three years ago.

“When a player goes to Europe, he develops a stronger tactical understanding. He must learn exercise his role within the team. In Brazil, that doesn’t happen,” Dunga said. 

“He played the Confederations Cup in 2013 and understands he must concentrate more on what happens on the pitch and in training because what he does on the field is more important for his career than other things."

Meanwhile, Corinthians midfielder Renato Augusto earned his first international call-up since 2011, joining club-mates Gil and Elias in the squad.

They are three of six players currently playing in Brazil and Dunga says he will continue to look close to home throughout the qualification process, despite a congested Brazilian calendar meaning the domestic league rarely stops for international dates.

“We are watching as many games as possible. We do not have a rule on selections, but it's a gentleman's agreement that we usually call a maximum of just one or two players from each club. 

“These are players who are excelling. They have been called and must adapt, but with qualities they have, I expect them to do so quickly.”

This month, Zenit forward Hulk made his first appearances since last year’s World Cup, scoring against both Costa Rica and Venezuela, and is expected to retain his role as the team’s 'false nine' after overcoming a misunderstanding over an injury which kept him out of Dunga’s maiden squad in September 2014.

“We know all about Hulk. I called him up to my first squad,” Dunga said. 

“We then had a situation that was not well understood nor explained. We are using him in a position where he plays for his club, closer to the penalty area where he can take advantage of his physical attributes.

“But as for who will play or not will depend on how the players do once the squad convenes.”