Naldo tips bold Bremen to get it right

According to his coach Thomas Schaaf, Werder Bremen centre-back Naldo is the best Brazilian defender in the world. The 26-year-old international is in his fourth season at the Bundesliga club, where his free-kicks and attack-minded instincts have made him right at home in a side known for its positive approach. Here he answers questions from uefa.com readers about Bremen's chances in the UEFA Champions League and what it is like to mark the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimović.

Does Bremen's gung-ho attacking style make it harder to be a defender for the club?
Clive Sharpe, 35, Liverpool

Naldo: Werder's playing style is certainly quite attack-minded. It does make things harder for defenders. Having said that, I like the way we play and in football you always have to be thinking of a win. Also, that has been the club culture for a long time and it's hard to just change it.

How do you rate Werder's chances of reaching the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League?
Paul Whitfield, Sydney, Australia

Naldo: We have a good chance of going through, although first of all we have to beat Panathinaikos in our next game. If Anorthosis Famagusta lose or draw on the next Matchday, we could climb to second spot in our group. Then we would just need a win in Cyprus to qualify. Whether Werder advance or not depends on us – our fate is in our own hands.

What are the best and hardest things about being a Brazilian living in Germany?
Manfred Weiss, Montreal, Canada

Naldo: The best thing is being able to live in a safe country – that's important for your family. But I still struggle with the language, which is so different from Portuguese. But I'm making some progress in my studies.

Which of your goals do you remember most?
Cristobal Cuba, 22, Connecticut, USA

Naldo: One I scored for Botafogo in the 2005 Brazilian championship, in a game that was being watched by Werder Bremen scouts.

Would you like to play in a more high-profile league one day, such as the English, Spanish or Italian?
Afonso Rodrigues

Naldo: I have no complaints about Germany. The Bundesliga is one of the top leagues in the world. I am happy here, although it would be interesting to play in England one day.

I think you're a world-class defender, but is it not impossible to defend against Zlatan Ibrahimović who, in my opinion, is the best striker in the world?
Bora, 21, Frankfurt, Germany

Naldo: It's not impossible to defend against him, but you have to be really focused to keep a player like Ibrahimović at bay, especially when he is in such good shape. You can't give him an inch or he will pull rabbits out of his hat.

You came to attention playing for Brazilian third division side RS Futebol. What's it like now you're an established player for Werder Bremen to look back on your last campaign in the Brazilian third division just five years ago?
Mario Iochpe, 24, Porto Alegre, Brazil

Naldo: Everything has happened really fast in my career but I've worked really hard to get to where I am today. I will keep on giving 100 per cent and hopefully keep achieving more.

Who is the best striker you have had to deal with?
Adrian Pratama

Naldo: I have faced several great strikers in my career, such as Samuel Eto'o, David Trezeguet, Ibrahimović and Adriano. Those boys can give you nightmares if you don't keep your eyes open on the pitch!

Why have Werder conceded so many goals this season, given that you and Per Mertesacker, both quality defenders, are the centre-backs?
Florent Otten, 12, Bremerhaven, Germany

Naldo: It's a lot about our playing style but there have also been moments of lost concentration and individual mistakes. We're working on that because it's frustrating to concede so many goals, but it would be unfair to lay the blame on one or two players.

How old were you when you started playing football?
Paul, 20, Belarus

Naldo: I started when I was 18. I was a late bloomer, but you can compensate for starting late by putting in a lot of hard work and determination.

Do you have a free run to attack whenever you want, or does coach Thomas Schaaf put limits on you? Where do you see yourself playing five years from now?
Mark Kaethow, 42, Columbus, Ohio, USA

Naldo: Herr Schaaf does not put limits on me. On the contrary he is always telling me to go forward and help the strikers whenever there is a chance. He knows I can be useful up front. As for the future, I just hope to be playing even better than I am now.

Who do you think is the best footballer in the world and who did you idolise as a kid?
Danny

Naldo: Cristiano Ronaldo should win the FIFA World Player of the Year award, as he did really well for Manchester United in the Premiership and the Champions League. Ibrahimović is also playing very well for Inter Milan. As for inspirations, I grew up idolising Mauro Galvão, a defender who played for Brazil and for several big clubs in the country.

What are the chances of you playing at the 2010 FIFA World Cup?
Juliano Valério, 25, Pernambuco, Brazil

Naldo: I'm doing my best to show the manager what I can do. I have had a few chances, such as the England v Brazil friendly last year and I reckon Dunga liked my contribution. Like every player, being involved in a World Cup is a dream and I'm looking forward to fighting for a place in the squad.

Why is it that as a centre-back you often take free-kicks? It is quite unusual for a defender to be a free-kick expert.
Christian Kraus, 17, Wiesbaden, Germany

Naldo: I practise, practise and practise some more but I also think that I have some talent. Diego and I are the official free-kick takers at Werder. We both have to be ready to take our chances whenever they come.

I'm a Bremen season-ticket holder and you and Bouba Sanogo are my favourite players. Why are you personally finding goals, particularly free-kicks, harder to come by this season?
Rustam Ariky, 19, Bremen

Naldo: There have been fewer chances. Also, our opponents have been reading me better – I have never seen the wall breaking so fast. But I will always be ready for the next opportunity.