The Brazil international has represented something of a divisive figure under a succession of managers following his arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk four years ago.
Fred’s limited ability on the ball has seen him criticised by fans and pundits alike during his time in England but his worth to Brazil manager Tite has never been in question.
Despite the unrelenting conditions in Qatar, Fred has managed to maintain his astonishing commitment to the cause even if it has come at something of a personal cost, losing up to three kilos every game.
Brazil fitness coach Guilherme Passos said: ‘He has an absurd work rate, very high.
‘We had a match in the Copa America where he covered 12km. He’s always our top one, top two in volume, in distance covered.
‘In work rate, which means that he is all the time running through the field at high speed and moderate speed.’