Casemiro has been hailed by former Brazil midfielder Zinho as the country's "best player", as he stated that Liverpool's Fabinho is a "reserve" in the 26-man squad due to the Manchester United star's talent.
Casemiro will once again line up for Brazil when they take on Croatia in the quarter-finals of the World Cup on Friday. The United midfielder has been instrumental in his country's success in Qatar, as he translates his fine club form to the biggest tournament in the world.
The former Real Madrid man has been one of Erik ten Hag's best players this season at Old Trafford, as he has quickly justified the large transfer fee the club paid for his services. The Dutchman will be delighted that Casemiro is continuing his rich vein of form for Brazil, with his performances making many people around the world sit up and take notice of just how good the 30-year-old is.
ALSO READ: 'Sleeping' - Erik ten Hag slams Manchester United players over two goals vs Cadiz
Zinho has now sought to heap further praise on his compatriot, as he singled out Casemiro as the best player in an already-talented 26-man squad.
The former Brazil player told ESPN : "He is the balance of the team. He is always in the correct place, at the right time, at the right moment to touch the ball, not only just tackling the opponent, but also building some play with possession.
"But positionally he is so good; he sees things earlier than others. He hardly misses the tackle; he doesn't get badly positioned, so, where the ball is heading to him, he sees the move before it happens. It must be so difficult to face a guy like that: he's well positioned, he gets there before you.
"Even when an attacker like Richarlison or Vinicius gets tackled, he's already there positioning himself for the second ball, you know? For me, until now, he's been Brazil's best player."
Zinho also claimed that Casemiro is keeping Fabinho out of the starting XI due to his sheer talent, as he explained why the United midfielder is doing so well for his national side.
"I think this is funny because Fabinho would be starter for almost every other team in this World Cup. But he is immediately reserve, for me, of the best defender midfielder of the world today, which is Casemiro. Until now, he is the best player in Brazilian team.
"Casemiro takes great care of himself, he's a great midfielder and he's still in this great moment. I've never followed him like I have this time in the World Cup and I'm not surprised, but, I'm impressed with him. I see him as a point of balance in the Brazil squad: as a player defending or building the possession which is just incredible from one man."
You can vote for your United Fans' Footballer of the Year - cast your vote below or by clicking here:
READ NEXT:
