Casemiro names four stars who could reach Ballon d’Or levels, worthy of becoming the heir to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Add as preferred source on Google

It hasn’t been the best of seasons for Casemiro whose career has started to wind down.

Gone from competing for the biggest honours in football at Real Madrid, where Casemiro won the Champions League five times, the Brazil veteran currently plays a bit-part role at Manchester United.

Ruben Amorim may need to call upon Casemiro more regularly due to an injury crisis, which could see him get more game time again, but United fans want to see him performing at his highest level.

That may be beyond him now – at this level – as Casemiro turns 33 later this week.

Casemiro has been linked with moves away from Old Trafford but none materialised. That could change in the summer if an adequate offer comes in from Saudi Arabia or his homeland in Brazil.

The experienced midfielder still has a lot to give United’s first-team in what will be a challenging end to the season.

Casemiro tips four players for Ballon d’Or levels

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominated the Ballon d’Or awards for over two decades, winning it a combined 13 times.

While they’re still playing professional football, neither of the pair are applying their trade in Europe fighting for the biggest club honours anymore. Essentially, that means it’s time for the emerging talents poised to take centre stage to shine.

Casemiro has had a lot of time to watch football lately and it sounds like he has been keeping an eye on his former club, after suggesting four Real Madrid players are worthy of reaching Messi and Ronaldo levels.

This would put all players in contention for winning the Ballon d’Or.

Speaking to Diario AS, Casemiro tipped Kylian Mbappe to establish himself as the best in the world after joining Madrid knocking Man City out of Europe, and also tipped three of his team-mates to provide competition.

“He [Mbappe] is one of those players that when you play against them you don’t know how to stop him. He’s not [on top of] the podium yet, but he’ll get there,” Casemiro said.

“He’s the heir to [Messi and Ronaldo], along with Vinicius Jr, who continues to grow and improve in every game, Rodrygo, and Fede Valverde.”

What next for Casemiro?

Casemiro is set to be in action this weekend when United travel to Goodison Park for the final time.

The Brazil international has made 25 appearances this season, scoring three goals, but hasn’t been able to have a greater influence on the team like in his debut campaign.

United are lacking cover in defensive midfield with Manuel Ugarte’s absence but hopefully, the Uruguayan can return on Saturday.

The Reds have another big game next Wednesday against Ipswich Town before taking on Fulham in the fifth round of the FA Cup.