Dunga warns Brazil stars to prove their worth

Brazil coach Dunga has warned Ronaldinho and Kaka that superstar status doesn't guarantee their place in the national team.

Dunga has left Ronaldinho out of his squad to face Sweden in a friendly in London on Wednesday because the Barcelona midfielder has been struggling with injuries and poor form this season.

The Selecao boss is also without Kaka after the AC Milan playmaker pulled out with a thigh injury.

But Dunga believes he has enough quality players to cope without his two talismanic figures at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.

"Everybody has to prove their worth. We don't want to force anyone to play just because people have been talking about them. We have convictions and have to work on that basis," Dunga said.

"Ronaldinho and Kaka are quality players but they have had some injuries. I have got other stars likes Robinho and Gilberto Silva. Anybody in the Brazil team is a good player.

"I can only pick 22 and we have great players. Everybody has to win their place and prove their worth."

If Wednesday's Brazil line-up lacks some well-known names, Dunga is hopeful that will give the chance for some of his young players to establish themselves ahead of the Olympic Games and the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato is regarded as Brazil's brightest young star and could make his debut against the Swedes.

It would be fitting for Pato to feature in a match arranged to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Brazil's first World Cup final triumph. That 5-2 win over Sweden in Stockholm made Pele, then a teenage prodigy, into a global icon, and Pato is the next in line to fill the role of Brazilian phenomenon.

Pato has already played at the Emirates once after featuring in Milan's goalless Champions League draw with Arsenal, but Dunga was coy about his role on Wednesday.

"It depends on the game but he is a quality player, that's why he is in the team," he said.

Dunga is determined to establish a team-first ethos in his squad and wants all egos checked at the dressing room door.

The less-heralded likes of Manchester City's Elano, Werder Bremen's Diego and Real Betis striker Rafael Sorbis will all get another chance to impress on Brazil's third visit to the Emirates in the last two years.

"These players are experienced but there is an adapation. We have to build up confidence with the players," Dunga said.

"They have only a few opportunities to play. When they are playing well why would be take them out? They have to have pleasure in playing. We have to build a group."

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