Manchester United midfielder Casemiro will no doubt be looking to dominate Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford tomorrow night.
The 30-year-old will be hoping to make his third consecutive Premier League start when Erik ten Hag’s side take on Antonio Conte’s Spurs.
The former Real Madrid man came off the bench against Arsenal and Manchester City, so the clash against the fellow north Londoners would be the biggest came Casemiro has started in for the Red Devils, if his name is included in Ten Hag’s line-up.
But the five-time Champions League winner is more than accustomed to playing in the biggest matches, and he often elevates his level when the stakes are higher.
Casemiro will be looking to dominate Tottenham Hotspur once again
United’s number 18 has faced Tottenham twice previously in his career, and he will be eager to get his first win against Spurs tomorrow night.
Los Blancos and Tottenham were drawn against one and other in the 2017-18 Champions League group stages.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side ran out 3-1 winners at Wembley with Christian Eriksen getting on the scoresheet before Cristiano Ronaldo scored a consolation for Zinedine Zidane’s side.
But in the first group game between the two sides, Casemiro was named man of the match for his performance at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ronaldo gave the Spanish giants the lead from the spot before a Raphael Varane own goal saw Tottenham come away from the Spanish capital with a point.
But it was Casemiro who was head and shoulders above everyone else on the pitch.
Only Danish playmaker Eriksen (5) created more chances than the 65-time Brazil international (4), reports WhoScored.
No player from either side completed as many dribbles as the South American (3), and Madrid’s former number 14 produced an imperious defensive midfield display.
He won nine duels, as well as making six interceptions, three tackles and blocking one shot.
Casemiro had 72 touches and finished the European match with an 88% passing accuracy after completing 45 of his 51 attempted passes.
Unlike in his previous two encounters against Spurs, Casemiro will hope to be lining up alongside Eriksen, but that will likely depend on whether United’s number 14 is passed fit.
With star duo Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane leading Tottenham’s charge tomorrow night, Casemiro’s ability to sniff out danger and protect his backline could prove crucial in helping United get back to winning ways after Sunday’s goalless draw against Newcastle United.
If the Brazilian reproduces the impressive stats he posted in October 2017, Manchester United could have a great chance of ousting Conte’s Spurs.
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