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Tite defends Neymar's captaincy credentials

Neymar has chosen to step down as Brazil skipper, but new head coach Tite says the star forward is leadership material.

Tite believes Neymar has what it takes to continue as Brazil's captain but has supported the Barcelona forward's decision to hand back the armband.

Neymar announced his intention to step down as skipper after guiding the country to Olympic gold in Rio on Saturday.

The former Santos star had replaced Thiago Silva as the national team's permanent on-field leader in September 2014.

Tite, who on Monday named his first squad since succeeding Dunga as head coach, feels the 24-year-old is equipped to continue in the position but is also prepared to look at alternative figureheads.