With a rich footballing tradition and the international accolades to back it up, the list of legends to pull on a Brazil shirt goes deep at every position. That includes full-back, a role A Seleção players like Cafu, Roberto Carlos and Marcelo have helped revolutionise over the years.

So when left-back Patryck bombed down the field and dribbled into the box early in Brazil's quarter-final at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2019™, it was hardly a surprise to the rowdy crowd at Goiania's Estadio Olimpico. The youngest player in the squad, Patryck uncorked a shot that left Italy goalkeeper Marco Molla flat-footed. One of the best shot-stoppers at Brazil 2019, Molla watched the rising ball sear past him and singe the top of the net.

“The feeling of scoring was incredible, in part because it was my first real chance to score a goal," Patryck told FIFA.com. "It helped the team keep concentration and emotional control for the rest of the match."

Brazil would go on to defeat Italy 2-0. In addition to brandishing his dangerous left foot, Patryck often out-duelled Gli Azzurrini winger Degnand "Willy" Gnonto, who proved himself as one of the tournament's most formidable attackers in the group stage.

"Our main priority was to stop their attack through the wings, where they are strong," said Patryck. "We also worked hard to move Italy players around so we could find a way through their defence, which we knew was solid.”

Patryck had a hand in the offensive and defensive tactics that won the day, and that's exactly how he likes it. The Sao Paulo youth player is well-suited to his role of two-way player in the national team, citing senior national team full-back Marcelo as an aspirational figure.

"It's for the technical quality and the way he sees the game," explained Patryck of his football role model. "I like to have an offensive way of playing, too, arriving to join the attack. This view of the game that Marcelo has inspires me to use the ball differently and try to score goals, or help score goals.”

Back in the semi-finals for a second consecutive U-17 World Cup, the Brazilians will be up against another team who has flaunted considerable attacking flair. A meeting with France in Brasilia on Thursday promises to be one of the most electric encounters of the competition. Les Bleuets are the only other team who have yet to be beaten.

"They are always looking to attack and push the pace of the match," Patryck said of France. "Besides their attacking ability, they are also very compact defensively to prevent counter attacks. We’re talking now and making some adjustments."

Brazil are guaranteed to have one thing on Thursday that France will not: an energised home crowd at Estadio Bezerrao.

"The fans here are like our 12th man," said Patryck. "Especially with the culture of football and the national team, which everybody supports wholeheartedly. They'll be ready for the match, and so will we."