Carlo Ancelotti believes the new players within his Brazil squad have made a strong case for their involvement in his final World Cup squad during the recent international break.
Ancelotti's comments came after Brazil's 3-1 win over Croatia at Camping World Stadium, with Igor Thiago and Gabriel Martinelli striking late to seal an impressive victory.
Botafogo's Danilo had opened the scoring for Brazil, only for Lovro Majer to equalise in the 84th minute, but the Selecao responded twice in the space of four minutes.
The result followed a 2-1 defeat to France last time out, though Ancelotti expressed his delight at the players who were called up in March in one last chance to impress.
Brentford's Thiago carried his fine Premier League form onto the international stage, while Rayan of Bournemouth and Real Madrid loanee Endrick also impressed, the latter being called up to the senior squad for the first time since Ancelotti replaced Dorival Junior.
"What pleases me most is that the new players really made the most of their opportunity," Ancelotti said.
"Obviously, that increases the uncertainty over the final squad list, because Igor Thiago and Leo Pereira did very well, Danilo [Santos] did well, Endrick did very well, Kaiki too.
"They all took their chance, and that is a positive sign for the team. Now we will keep evaluating what happens in the European leagues and also in the Brazilian Championship."
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COM EMOÇÃO, COM VONTADE! É GOL DO BRASIL! pic.twitter.com/X9Ta632bH0
It was a game that became fragmented at times, with Brazil making eight substitutions throughout the second half.
"The changes were mainly to put fresh legs on the field. Endrick, Igor Thiago, Martinelli, and Rayan," Ancelotti said of his changes.
"Because, in truth, up front, they worked very hard. In the second half, they were a little tired, so we changed the system. But, obviously, the characteristics changed as well.
"And Endrick took advantage of being more central to win the penalty and provide the assist for Martinelli."
Endrick's impact was immediate, having been brought on in the 76th minute to replace Luiz Henrique, winning the penalty that Thiago coolly dispatched.
The 19-year-old then slipped Martinelli in behind the Croatia defence to score Brazil's third goal, and Endrick explained he felt the need to prove his worth quickly.
"I had this sense of urgency," Endrick added.
"After seeing my wife telling me that just being here was already a victory, regardless of whether I came on, scored a goal or provided an assist, all the pressure went away."
Since joining Lyon in December, Endrick has registered 11 goal contributions (six goals, five assists) in all competitions, though he has struggled on the international stage.
He did not feature in Brazil's defeat to France. Therefore, he felt the need to impress Ancelotti with his cameo appearance against Croatia.
"Whatever we can do for Brazil, we will do," Endrick said of his World Cup hopes.
"I have no doubt about that. And we'll keep working, because nothing speaks louder than hard work."