World Cup 2022: Brazil Icon Ronaldo Weighs In on Richarlison and Jesus Battle for Brazil No 9 Spot

• Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario has welcomed the competition between Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus for the number nine spot
• Richarlison has been the preferred choice for Tite at the 2022 World Cup for Brazil, while the Arsenal man has played just 289 minutes for the Selecao
• Jesus has been superb for Arsenal since joining them from Manchester City, and his performances in north London have not been enough for Tite to start him

Brazil legend Ronaldo has given his opinion about the battle for the number nine spot for Brazil at the 2022 World Cup.

So far, Tottenham star Richarlison has been the preferred choice for Tite up top, but there have been calls for Gabriel Jesus to start for Brazil against Cameroon.

Brazil started the tournament impressively, thanks to a stunning brace from Richarlison against Serbia. His second goal was the pick of the bunch. He made a delicate touch from Vinicius Jnr cross before firing in an acrobatic effort.

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Jesus has been limited to appearances from the bench. The Arsenal star is yet to score at the World Cup and with Brazil touted as favourites, Jesus would be happy to net a few.

Moreover, according to Opta, with Brazil stacked with generational talent, Jesus will have to take a few chances he gets.

Ronaldo on Jesus and Richarlison

Brazil legend and two-time World Cup winner Ronaldo Nazario has revealed he had a private dinner with the former Manchester City star, according to the Mirror.

Jesus has been stellar for Arsenal this season, and his performances for Mikel Arteta's side have not been enough to earn him a starting berth.

Richarlison has established himself as the start No 9 and has been impressive thus far at the World Cup. Ronaldo said the competition is good for both players.

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“Gabriel is there as Richarlison’s reserve, but pressing," said Ronaldo, "I hope he plays a great game that he can score a lot of goals and put even more pressure on Richarlison, that this dispute between them is very healthy, very cool.”

Jesus has played just 28 minutes in Qatar. Richarlison, on the other hand, has played more than 70 minutes in Brazil's two matches. Given Brazil have progressed to the last 16.

Richarlison scores wonder goal

Sports Brief earlier reported on Richarlison scoring a wondrous goal for Brazil against Serbia.

In the second half, Brazil's patience paid off. The Tottenham striker pounced on a loose ball in the 62nd minute to give Tite's men the lead.

However, his second goal was the pick of the bunch - he took Vinicius Jnr's outside-of-the-boot pass before spectacularly firing past the hapless Vanja Milinkovic-Savic in the 73rd minute.