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Willian relying on togetherness to inspire Brazil at Copa America

Willian has said that Brazil can live up to their lofty expectations at this summer's Copa America, despite the absence of Barcelona superstar Neymar and several other key players from Dunga's squad.

Brazil begin their tournament against Ecuador at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on June 5, but will be without Neymar as well as Paris Saint-Germain defensive pairing Thiago Silva and David Luiz as they bid to regain the trophy they last won in Venezuela in 2007.

Neymar was denied permission by Barcelona to compete in both the Copa America and the Olympics in Rio this summer, while Silva and Luiz have fallen out of favour with Dunga, but Willian is adamant that the 23-man Selecao squad contains more than enough quality to triumph in the United States.

"We have Luis Gustavo, Fernandinho, Dani Alves so it's important for us to stick together," the Chelsea midfielder said. "No one player can win a game alone so we must play as a team. Together we can go far in the competition.

"Brazil have a big history and have won so many Copa Americas, we know that and with our supporters behind us we will have a good chance to win.

"I'm very happy because since Dunga took charge I've started every game so it's very good for me. With every match I gain more confidence and now, when I'm with the national team, I am able to play with more freedom.

"Dunga is a very good manager and a good person. He has a big heart, he's a Brazilian legend so I enjoy it a lot playing under him."

Brazil are seeking redemption after a disappointing 2015 tournament that saw them exit to Paraguay on penalties at the quarterfinal stage, but Willian is confident that it will be a different story this time around.

"For sure it was very disappointing but I think we have more experience now and we must show that," he added. "There is big pressure in Brazil for us to win the competition and we already know Neymar is out, but we have many great players so we have a chance.

"It's a difficult group [against Ecuador, Haiti and Peru] because in football nowadays there are no easy teams to play against. Against Brazil, every team wants to play at their best which makes it tough for us, so it's important we show our quality. I think we have a good chance to reach the next phase."