Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says midfielder Lucas Ribeiro Costa has to prove himself in one of the biggest leagues in the world if he hopes to play for Brazil.
Ribeiro Costa has been in fine fettle for Sundowns this season, banging in 13 goals for the in 20 Betway Premiership matches.
The scintillating midfielder was named February's PSL Player of the Month, an accolade bestowed upon him for the second time this season following his impressive displays.
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Having also won Player of the Month in October 2024, the 26-year-old was also voted winner of Goal of the Month for February after his superb strike against Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Cardoso believes Ribeiro Costa has the potential to play for the Brazilian national team.
"It's a pity that he doesn't go to the national team of Brazil. He is probably the best player in the league, he is highly skillful, and all of these are true," Cardoso told journalists at the pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's tie against Bucs at FNB Stadium.
"I think if Lucas hopes to go to the national team of Brazil, he has to prove himself to another level, because if you have to see the players of the national team and where they play, they play in the biggest league in the world.
"We can think we are one of the biggest teams in Africa, but to be one of the biggest teams in the world (is something else), and I think Lucas has to prove himself at that level if he wants to have the call of the national team of Brazil.
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"It's then up to him to arrive in that level and show if he has that quality. He has the potential no doubt. If I believe in him? No doubt. If he has to achieve that, it's up to him to speak for that, but I feel pleasure to work with him, that is clear," added the head coach.
Ribeiro Costa is expected to cause menace to the Pirates defence in the match that kicks off at 15:30.