Why Luiz Henrique Lost Role in Brazil’s National Team Under Ancelotti
Luiz Henrique, the 22-year-old Real Madrid forward, has dropped to the 12th spot in Brazil’s attacking rotation under manager Carlo Ancelotti, despite leading the squad in goal contributions from the bench during the 2023 Copa América, according to verified match data. The shift has sparked questions about tactical adjustments and player performance, with Ancelotti emphasizing “team balance” in recent press briefings.
Statistics from the 2023 Copa América show Luiz Henrique recorded three goal involvements off the bench, more than any other Brazilian player, yet he appeared in just 34 minutes total across three matches. This contrasts with the starting attack of Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo, who combined for 12 key passes and 18 shots on goal in the same period, per Opta Sports data.
What Led to the Tactical Shift?
Ancelotti has consistently prioritized a “dynamic attacking trio” in the 2023 Copa América, according to official team statements. The Italian coach told reporters on June 24, “We need players who can interchange positions and create opportunities in the final third. Luiz Henrique’s role is crucial, but we must maintain balance.” This aligns with the team’s 4-2-3-1 formation, which has favored fluidity over strict positional roles.
Luiz Henrique’s reduced minutes coincide with a shift in Real Madrid’s tactics under Carlo Ancelotti. The 2023-24 season has seen the 22-year-old start just two La Liga matches, according to the club’s official website, compared to 15 appearances in the 2022-23 campaign. This has raised questions about his fitness and form, though the club has not commented publicly on his status.
How Does His Performance Compare?
Luiz Henrique’s 2023 Copa América statistics reveal a player with high work rate but limited impact in final third. He completed 84% of his passes (144/171) and won 12 aerial duels, per FIFA’s official tournament data, but his expected goals (xG) contribution was 0.14, below the team average of 0.21. In contrast, Vinícius Júnior recorded an xG of 0.33 in 215 minutes, according to Understat.
Defensive metrics also highlight the gap. Luiz Henrique made 2.3 defensive actions per 90 minutes, below the squad average of 3.1, according to Opta. This has led some analysts to suggest his role as a “support striker” may not align with Ancelotti’s preference for “high-pressing, high-energy attackers.”
What Are the Broader Implications?
The tactical shift has significant implications for Brazil’s World Cup 2026 qualification campaign. With 14 matches remaining in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, Ancelotti faces pressure to stabilize the attack after a 1-1 draw with Colombia in June. The coach has hinted at experimenting with a “false nine” system, a tactic that could further limit Luiz Henrique’s opportunities.
From a club perspective, Luiz Henrique’s reduced appearances at Real Madrid raise questions about his long-term prospects. The player has averaged 68 minutes per La Liga start this season, below the 82-minute average of fellow young forwards like Federico Valverde, according to Squawka data. However, his 14 assists in 38 appearances for Real Madrid’s B team in the 2022-23 season remain a point of encouragement.
What’s Next for Luiz Henrique?
The next test for Luiz Henrique comes in Brazil’s September friendly against Argentina, where Ancelotti is expected to experiment with new formations. The coach confirmed in a June 28 press conference: “We’ll assess the players’ performances in the coming weeks. Every player has a role, but we must find the right balance.”
On the club front, Luiz Henrique is set to feature in Real Madrid’s pre-season tour of the United States, where he will have the chance to showcase his abilities. The player’s representation has not commented on his international situation, but his agent previously stated in a 2023 interview that “Luiz Henrique is focused on contributing to both club and country.”
As Brazil prepares for the 2026 World Cup, the situation highlights the challenges of balancing youth development with immediate results. With 118 days until the first qualifier against Peru, the next few months will be critical in determining Luiz Henrique’s role in the national team’s future plans.
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