Casemiro has already made an impact since joining Manchester United from Real Madrid, but pundit Graeme Souness stands by his comments about the Brazil star.
When the 30-year-old midfielder arrived over the summer in a deal worth up to £60m, Souness was unconvinced. describing the Champions League winner as a "steady Eddie". Casemiro took a little while to cement his place in the first team at Old Trafford, but his impact has been felt in Erik ten Hag's side.
Casemiro was in the starting line-up against West Ham United on Saturday, helping his team hold on for a narrow 1-0 victory. Despite the new signing's impact, though, Souness has stuck to his guns.
“I don’t think he’s got any great range of passing, I don’t think he’s going to make other people play," Souness told talkSPORT in August. "The Real Madrid and that midfield, in particular, was full of footballing types. I see him as being a ‘Steady Eddie’.
“He’s 30 years old, it’s £60m with add-ons, it’s too much money. It’s Man United all over again, Man United will pay a premium for players. But I don’t see him making them any better when he has the ball.
“I never think ‘I’m really excited to watch Casemiro’. I think he’ll make them [United] more solid when he’s on the ball because he senses danger and is experienced. I don’t think he’s got a range of passing, I’ve not seen that. Maybe he’ll prove me wrong but I’ve not seen him ping it all over the place.”
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Since coming off the bench in the Manchester Derby at the start of October, Casemiro has started eight straight games in the Premier League and Europa League. He scored his first Man Utd goal to help salvage a point at Chelsea, and has been a factor in the climb up the table under Ten Hag.
Former Liverpool man Souness has softened a little when it comes to his stance on the Brazil international giving United what they need. However, when it comes to Casemiro's individual quality, the Scot has doubled down.
"Casemiro will make a big difference to them. But I don’t see him as a great player," Souness told talkSPORT after United's most recent victory. He told his fellow presenters he stood by the earlier 'steady Eddie' comments, but gave further context.
"He is a good steady Eddie," Souness said. "He will hold the fort, that’s what a steady Eddie is. He’s a good player, not a great player.
"A steady Eddie is a 7.5 out of ten every week. In my language it means he’s a seven, 7.5 every week, he is a real team player."
