Oliver Glasner vindicated as Brazilian media say the same thing about Nottingham Forest star Jair Cunha

Oliver Glasner's decision to build his Nottingham Forest defence around Jair Cunha looks justified as he earns media plaudits in Brazil.

Glasner made it clear that he was planning to utilise his famed back five formation upon arrival at Forest in the summer.

The Austrian has endured a mixed start to life as Reds manager, but looks to have settled on his preferred backline when everyone is fit.

His first-choice defence has so far included Brazilian centre-back Cunha, with his four league starts already close to eclipsing the six he earned last season under several different bosses.

The 21-year-old's fine early-season form saw him called up to the senior Brazil squad for the first time, and he made his maiden start for his country against Australia on Tuesday.

Cunha clearly impressed those in his home country and will surely go on to be a regular at the City Ground for the foreseeable future as he enjoys a breakthrough campaign.

Brazilian media heap praise on 'confident' Jair Cunha vs Australia

The first game of Brazil's double-header against the Socceroos last Friday saw Cunha make his international debut in a 1-1 draw.

He was drafted into the starting eleven alongside Arsenal star Gabriel for Tuesday's clash, as the visitors emerged with a 4-2 friendly win.

Cunha completed the most passes of any player (69), made more ball recoveries than any of his teammates (4) and won three of his five attempted duels.

He clearly carried his strong Forest form over to international duty, with Brazilian media offering praise after a strong first start for the Selecao.

Terra were impressed by Cunha's air of authority, as they reviewed his performance by writing: "Confident and didn’t seem to feel the pressure of his debut for the national team. He won his one-on-one duels and neutralised Irankunda."

While GOAL admitted that he was let down by his fellow defenders, as he impressed individually, saying: "A disciplined performance in defence, although he was part of the collective failure to set up the offside trap properly during Australia’s two-goal spurt. He managed the game well in the second half before being substituted in the 88th minute."

Glasner wants Cunha to continue his form amid strong Forest competition

Cunha's emergence has seen summer signing Ousmane Diomande stuck on the bench so far this season.

Glasner will be keen to see the Brazilian go from strength to strength, but knows he has good depth at centre-back as several players compete to start.

He congratulated Cunha on his maiden Brazil call-up before the break, but urged him to continue impressing, saying: "t’s a huge achievement for him, being 21 years of age and being announced for the Brazilian national team.

“He had amazing performances against Tottenham and at Liverpool, and that’s why he deserves to be called up by Brazil. Many players in our team have the potential to play for their country, but it’s not just to have the potential, they have to show it every week.”