Casemiro’s resurgence has been a story to watch for Man Utd this season, and it has earned him Brazil’s captaincy as well, where he has backed an ‘incredible’ player to not be wasted.
The leadership qualities of Casemiro were as important as his contribution on the pitch when Manchester United signed him.
Even when he was at his lowest ebb, Casemiro was the model professional, and that won over Ruben Amorim, who now puts him forward as an example for his teammates.
The same can be said for Brazil, as he has batted for his international teammate he called ‘undeniable’.
Casemiro backs under-fire Neymar for star role
Neymar has suffered quite a fall from grace since he was once dubbed the natural successor to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
After his latest performances, do you want Casemiro to sign a one-year contract extension?
Today, he is crashing out in a meltdown after being substituted at Santos, his boyhood club, while being in the relegation zone.
Neymar’s downfall, combined with the increased profile of maverick players like Man Utd’s Matheus Cunha, has led to the Santos star becoming out of favour.
However, Casemiro, like the leader he is, has now backed Neymar to return to form and become a key player for the national team.
He said (via Globo): “My lifestyle is different, more reserved. But we can’t dismiss [Neymar] if he’s doing well. If he’s physically and mentally fit, he’s by far the best. I’m a big fan of him as a player.
“He can decide a game at any moment. It’s a privilege to say that I played with Neymar. This guy is incredible. And in my day-to-day life, I know his staff very well, how he works.
“If I have to stretch myself thin on the field so he can make the final pass, score the goal (I’ll do it). I think Neymar is irresistible for anyone, but we know he has to be at his best.
“The quality of these players is undeniable; you can’t waste them, they have so much talent. And in football today, the line between winning and losing is very thin. These players are the ones who break that line.”
Ruben Amorim has a decision to make with Casemiro
Casemiro’s comments on Neymar are exactly what you expect of a true leader, because he can see Neymar’s unfulfilled potential and is trying to give him confidence.
At a club like Man Utd, where “unfulfilled potential” is often a common theme due to the weight of the shirt, having someone like Casemiro in the dressing room is invaluable.
Having been in the game for so long and seen it all, Casemiro is the type of player who can keep the dressing room in order, regardless of his role on the pitch.
It is a testament to his resilience that he has genuinely given Ruben Amorim a decision to make on his future after looking down and out this time last season.
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