Premier League star bizarrely claims Man United’s Casemiro is the best midfielder in the world | OneFootball

Sheffield United star Vinicius Souza has bizarrely claimed that Manchester United’s Casemiro is the best midfielder in the world.

Casemiro joined United in the summer of 2022 and enjoyed a superb maiden campaign in England. He helped the Red Devils command a top-four finish and end their six-year trophy drought to lift the Carabao Cup. Casemiro even scored in the final against Newcastle at Wembley.

His heroics in midfield also ensured United made it to the FA Cup final although they ultimately fell short as they were beaten by Manchester City.

However, this term, the Brazilian has demonstrated a sharp decline in his performances. He no longer provides the grit, steel and protection that characterised his play in the middle of the park.

Casemiro also seems to have lost a yard of pace as evidenced by how he struggles to keep up with the Premier League’s intensity.

More worrying, he has developed a particularly annoying habit of recklessly diving into tackles and challenges, which rival players evade with ease. When they get away from him, Casemiro then gets completely taken out of the game and leaves his teammates with plenty of space to defend and on the back foot.

The 32-year-old himself recently admitted that his poor displays keep him up at night and he’s not happy with how things are panning out in his second season at Old Trafford.

It’s simply astonishing how he has turned from an asset to a liability in such a short space of time.

Unsurprisingly, he continues to be linked with a move away from United in the summer, with the Saudi Pro League named as a possible destination for him.

Despite all this, it appears that Casemiro’s reputation in the sport still clearly precedes him, if comments made by Sheffield United’s Souza are anything to go by.

Souza spoke to the Premier League’s official YouTube channel and explained that in his opinion, the United man is the pinnacle when it comes to central defensive midfielders.

He said, “You know, for me, (Casemiro is) the best player in the world.”

“Yeah definitely (I model my game on him). For me, Casemiro is the best midfield player in the world, in the tackle, everything.”

“OK, I like (Manchester City’s) Rodri with the ball. But, in that position with the tackles and (being a) strong guy, Casemiro is the best.”

Casemiro has made 25 appearances across all competitions for United this term. He has managed five goals and three assists in that time.

The Red Devils return to action on Sunday when they take on Coventry City in the semi-final of the FA Cup.

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