Thiago Silva has identified Aston Villa captain John McGinn as the player Brazil must watch most closely when the two nations meet in Miami on 24 June, describing the Scotland midfielder as an "amazing player" capable of causing Carlo Ancelotti's side serious difficulties.

The 41-year-old, a UEFA Champions League winner and former Chelsea defender, is currently in Edinburgh completing his A Licence coaching course with the Scottish FA — a path recommended to him by Porto president Andre Villas-Boas.

Silva's warning to Ancelotti

Despite the headline-grabbing talents of Scott McTominay and Andy Robertson, it is the tireless McGinn who caught Silva's attention. "For me, the captain of Aston Villa, McGinn, is an amazing player," Silva told BBC Scotland. "He plays inside the midfield, he plays on the wing sometimes. He has many qualities."

"I think the Brazil staff and Carlo Ancelotti, they will need to pay attention to this player," he added. "I think the match will be played at a good level."

McGinn's remarkable 12 months

The 31-year-old has been in exceptional form across the past year. He played a central role in Aston Villa's UEFA Europa League triumph, netting two goals in the semi-final against Nottingham Forest. Then, in November, Scotland secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a moment that will send McGinn and his compatriots to the tournament for the first time in decades.

Silva's own World Cup disappointment

Silva, who now plays for Porto after returning to Europe in pursuit of a spot in Ancelotti's World Cup squad, acknowledged he would not be travelling to the tournament. Asked whether he was disappointed, he said: "A little bit, a little bit. But it's normal. It's decisions, it's football. So I accept this."

The former Paris Saint-Germain defender remained measured in his assessment of the upcoming fixture. "[Scotland] is a big 11. It's a good team, they play well. But, for Brazil, for me, is better, in this moment," he said. "But, in this level, you need to wait. Speak before, it changes nothing."