Casemiro has almost 70 caps for Brazil, three La Liga titles to his name and five Champions League winners’ medals. He has played for arguably the world’s two biggest clubs.
It is a career of team glory, of superstar teammates, of high expectations. Yet, there is a case to be made that a career packed with such glory has been underrated.
There was rightly excitement upon the news of Casemiro’s transfer to Manchester United a few months’ ago.
During his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, however, the Brazilian had been in the shadow of the goal scoring exploits of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, the midfield mastery of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, and the leadership of Sergio Ramos.
For the best part of a decade, Casemiro has been among the top four or five players at his position in world football. It is a role which is generally understated, and his style of play is not the flashiest of deep-lying midfielders.
Brazil's ball recovery rate is so good, and Casemiro makes it so easy for them. Easily one of the best players of this tournament, and still can't believe Manchester United signed him.
— UtdFaithfuls (@UtdFaithfuls) December 5, 2022
King Case 👑 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/wgaEaCmiow
There are few crunching challenges or Hollywood passes. Casemiro does his job with minimal fuss, enabling his teammates the freedom to play.
Statistically, Casemiro doesn’t have the pass volume or accuracy of others at the base of midfield (he has completed under 69 passes per 90 at 82.6% over the last 365 days).
He is a good progressive passer, with 5.12 per 90, and sits around average when it comes to shot-creating actions. In fact, his passing ability is perhaps the most underrated part of his game.
Defensively, though, is where his numerical foundation is the strongest with standout numbers for tackles, interceptions, blocks, clearances and aerial duels won.
Casemiro is more than anything quantifiable can indicate, however. Defensive statistics are still limited, and for a defensive midfielder, so much of their impact is off the ball.
It is about positioning, about closing passing lanes and covering for teammates. The best at the position do the routine without attracting much of a fuss, keeping their team secure in possession and helping things tick over with the ball.
Success With Club and Country
Scorer of his first Brazil goal at the 2019 Copa América, Casemiro missed out on a spot in the Team of the Tournament, but he played a significant role as the Canarinho lifted the trophy and conceded just one goal.
Two years later, he was included in the Team of the Tournament after Brazil lost to Argentina in the final.
Casemiro has five Champions League titles on his record, despite only playing in four of the finals. He is a three-time La Liga winner, making 25, 35 and 32 league appearances in each of Los Blancos’ victorious campaigns.
A 2013-14 Copa del Rey win, three UEFA Super Cups and three Club World Cups can be added to Casemiro’s loaded CV for good measure.
Francisco Gento is the only player in the history of the European Cup and Champions League who can better Casemiro’s tally of five wins.
One player cannot take credit for team success, but Casemiro’s role in several silverware-lifting teams has to be taken into account when pondering whether he is underrated.
After all, it is no coincidence that Real Madrid and Brazil have competed at such a high level with Casemiro.
His role for the national team enhances their World Cup betting odds. For Real Madrid, the knockout-tie winning machine does not function without his presence alongside Modric and Kroos.
Teammate Appreciation
It is often suggested that managers and teammates know the true value of certain players. Casemiro’s defensive-midfield role falls into that category.
Both his midfield accomplices at Real Madrid are well-aware of how he impacted both the team and their respective games.
Kroos and Modric wrote farewell letters to Casemiro. The latter referred to the Brazilian as his ‘bodyguard’.
Modric said, "You have become a true leader. You have been for your teammates and for Real Madrid. We will always remember it.
"We have won a lot together, but I prefer the moments that nobody sees. With the day-to-day work in Valdebebas. And above all with the jokes, because you have always been in a good mood, even in moments of tension or when there were failures.
"Those laughs with you gave me peace of mind. Like looking back and seeing you, knowing there's going to be a lot of ‘Njega-Njega.’ You have been the best bodyguard in the world."
For Kroos, it was Casemiro’s work ethic which stood out first and foremost.
"Because with you, even the Turkish bath was a gym... and you only allow people to lie down when it's time to do sit-ups.
"I'm going to miss you. As an exemplary professional. Like a top player. As a fighter who saved me from several... But, above all, as a good person. We've made history, damn it! What a legendary stage...
"Now our sports paths are separated, but our friendship remains."
Even before Casemiro swapped the Bernabeu for Old Trafford, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was well-aware of how irreplaceable he was.
Speaking in January 2022, the decorated Italian manager said, "If we are going to look [in the market] for a copy of Casemiro, we’ll make a mistake. There are none in world football. He’s unique.
"But other players can play as a pivot. Camavinga played there, who has other characteristics. He carries the ball well but he doesn’t have Casemiro’s tactical ability."
The word ‘tactical’ is significant from Ancelotti. Casemiro’s understanding of the game is exemplary. He reads what the opposition are doing, but is just as aware of how to control his own team.
Such tactical nous does not catch the eye, yet it makes life easier for his managers and teammates alike.
Another. Big. Performance.@Casemiro and @CBF_Futebol are through to the #WorldCup quarter-finals! 💪🇧🇷#MUFC pic.twitter.com/8iq8jKI8GF
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 5, 2022
Casemiro Among Most Underappreciated Players of the 21st Century
Regardless of how Brazil fare in World Cup winner odds this winter, Casemiro has been underappreciated throughout his peak. Still only 30 years old, he could have several more years at the top of the sport, too.
The term ‘underrated’ can be thrown around without due thought. It is ultimately a subjective view of what the consensus is on a given player. In this case, it is clearly accurate.
While Casemiro’s place in those trophy-winning Real Madrid sides was never really up for debate, enough wasn’t made of just how important he was to their relentless pursuit of hardware.
There were others to occupy the headlines on and off the pitch, but Casemiro was the player who made sure the individual brilliance combined for team glory.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 6th December 2022
