Ronaldinho & Kaka aren't our only star says Brazil's Gil

[ar]

Ronaldinho and Kaka aren't our only stars says Brazil's Gilberto

by Steve Griffiths

LONDON, May 31, 2007 (AFP) - Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva has warned England that his side don't just rely on Ronaldinho and Kaka to torment opponents.

Steve McClaren's team have found it hard enough against the likes of Macedonia, Israel and Croatia in their Euro 2008 qualifying group, so facing some of the game's biggest stars in Friday's friendly at Wembley is a daunting enough prospect already.

But Gilberto insists the presence of Barcelona's former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho and AC Milan midfielder Kaka, fresh from winning the Champions League, has put some equally fine talents in the shade.

Those unpolished gems will get the chance to shine as Brazil coach Dunga unleashes some relatively unfamiliar names on England.

Dunga will give the likes of CSKA Moscow strikers Vagner Love and Jo, Afonso Alves, the Dutch league's leading scorer with Heerenveen, as well as Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Elano, the opportunity to show they can emulate their more illustrious team-mates.

"We are a group and I believe other sides think like this, not just about Ronaldinho and Kaka," Gilberto said. Of course, though, they are fantastic players.

"We have a good squad and with quality players that can make a difference."

Gilberto's tremendous work ethic makes him a crucial component of the Selecao, but the Arsenal player is adamant neither he nor his team-mates begrudge Ronaldinho and Kaka their time in the spotlight.

"It does not annoy the rest of us because we know they have a high profile," he said. "We all feel very happy for them.

"When we are not with the national team, we see them with their clubs and how they are rated with a high profile in the press, how people enjoy watching them. For me, it is amazing when I hear so many nice things from them."

With Brazil's defence of their Copa America crown just a month away, Gilberto knows England will provide an invaluable test of their improvement since last year's World Cup flop.

"Tomorrow, it will be a massive test for us. We have done well in our preparation. Since Dunga has taken charge of the team, we have done well and we hope to continue to do a good job."

Ronaldinho admitted he can't wait to play at the rebuilt spiritual home of English football for the first time. The Barcelona midfielder has graced some of the game's greatest stages and he said: "I am so happy to have the chance to play at Wembley against England."

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