Tite "Very Proud" Of Rodrygo's Real Madrid Success
Brazil coach Tite hails Real Madrid teen Rodrygo as "an example for a lot of young boys who would like to be in his position."
The 18-year-old Real Madrid forward could win his first senior cap when Brazil face old rivals Argentina in Saudi Arabia on Friday on beIN SPORTS.
Rodrygo was called-up after winning his maiden competitive start for Madrid and pressed his case for minutes with a sparkling hat-trick in the club's recent 6-0 hammering of Galatasaray.
The scene-stealing treble made him the second youngest player, behind Los Blancos great Raul, to score three times in a Champions League match.
But the exciting Santos product has made a positive impression on Tite beyond his footballing ability.
"I talked to him and said he had to be very proud of his behaviour. As a person, as an example," Tite said.
"I asked him to give a hug to his parents for the education they gave. Say thanks to Jair Ventura, the coach who launched him. He is an example for a lot of young boys who would like to be in his position.
"He must think I am a little crazy, because I was talking and I do not know him, this is our first meeting.
"But I saw that when he scored the first goal [against Galatasaray] he went to hug [Karim] Benzema, who assisted. When he completed the hat-trick, I saw the television camera was focusing on him and he didn't look at the camera. He took the ball and kissed it and stood there.
"He becomes an example for a number of boys. Football is a transformation agent, both for good and for bad. He's like that, and I ended up telling him to hug his parents. I don't know them, but they deserve it."
Brazil's date with Argentina could also mark the return of Lionel Messi, who has not featured for the Albiceleste since the Copa America.
Messi was effectively shackled by Brazil as they prevailed 2-0 in the semi-finals of that tournament, but Tite remains wary of the Barcelona captain.
"He is a different player, he has impressive technical qualities,” the Selecao coach said.
"We have different strategies. We never neutralise such a player, we reduce the qualities. But football is an essentially collective sport.
"A strong collective will improve a Neymar, Coutinho, Firmino, Willian, Otamendi, Messi, Aguero.
"We know that the group improves the individual. Of course, we are dealing with Messi. He is a distinct player."
