MY ACCOUNT
Casemiro has been colossal at the base of Manchester United’s midfield since joining from Real Madrid.
The Brazilian’s classy performance in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley last weekend helped the Red Devils win their first trophy under Erik ten Hag, ending a six-year wait for silverware.
And he has established himself as a key player at Old Trafford, cementing a starting berth by consistently elevating the team’s performances.
Ahead of this afternoon’s clash with rivals Liverpool, we take a look at how Casemiro has improved United this season.
Upgrading midfield
Prior to Casemiro’s arrival last August, central midfield was an area of glaring weakness for United.
The double pivot of Scott McTominay and Fred lacked the quality to help the Red Devils reach their lofty goals as they finished sixth in the Premier League last season.
Christian Eriksen also joined in the summer but neither he nor fringe player Donny van de Beek are defensive screens.
Enter Casemiro, whose presence has helped the club not only to a trophy but to third in the league and the fringes of the title race.
Tough tackler
Casemiro, 31, boasts many qualities but the Brazilian enforcer’s ball-winning ability is arguably his greatest asset.
Only Fulham’s Joao Palhinha has averaged more tackles in the Premier League than the 69-cap international’s impressive record of 4.1 per 90 minutes.
Additionally, his 8.14 duels won per 90 puts him inside the division’s top 10 performers, while his 4.25 possessions won in the middle third sits in the top 15.
These are remarkable defensive numbers that demonstrate Casemiro’s capacity to stamp his authority in the middle of the park and ensure United are in control.
Ambitious passing
However, his skills do not end at elite ball-winning.
United’s No18 has perhaps surprised fans in England with his ambitious passing, having arrived with a reputation for simply being a player who provided a platform for Luka Modric and Toni Kroos at Real.
The Sao Paulo native has attempted 8.36 chipped passes per 90 in the league this season, completing 4.1.
These lofted balls can catch out opposition defenders, who are perhaps expecting instead to see a crisp, secure pass that keeps possession ticking over.
Casemiro puts a team-mate through on goal an average of 1.61 times per game, which is impressive considering the defensive work he is tasked with.
Winning experience
Ten Hag named Casemiro as one of the players whose winning experience helped the Red Devils get over the line against Newcastle at Wembley.
He said: “Raphael Varane, Casemiro, David de Gea, they know how to win trophies.
“You need players like that on the pitch to point the team, to coach the team, to organise the team. Not only from a tactical perspective but from a mental perspective as well. It’s so important.
“The winning attitude is what they bring into the dressing room and into the team.”
Casemiro won trophies galore at Real Madrid, including three LaLiga titles and the Champions League on five occasions, so he certainly knows how to collect silverware.
Consistent availability
Another overlooked trait Casemiro boasts is consistent availability.
The Brazilian was eased in as a substitute in his first four league appearances before snatching McTominay’s place in the starting line-up — and he has not looked back since.
In fact, he has featured in every game he has been available for in all competitions for United this season, missing only four league matches due to suspension.
With Casemiro consistently putting in classy performances, Ten Hag’s Red Devils look set to continue their rise.
