Casemiro says he always tries to lead by example as he prepares to take on the Brazil captaincy again.
The Manchester United midfielder is in Asia with his country, with friendlies against South Korea and Japan providing tests with next year's World Cup finals in mind.
Having returned to the Reds' starting line-up to help Ruben Amorim's men record a 2-0 win over Sunderland, after serving a one-game ban for the red card he received in the victory over Chelsea, the experienced South American is looking forward to implementing recently appointed Selecao coach Carlo Ancelotti's ideas, following a sustained period of success under the Italian at Real Madrid.
“I'm one of those players who thinks there are many leaders and ways to lead,”
he said at a press conference. “Each one forming their own leadership.
”I like to give more examples, more details of how to do it, how to get there, how to be, where to be, how to work.
“Without a doubt, my relationship with the coach, whom I've known for over 10 years, creates a greater affinity. But I like to demonstrate it [leadership] and set an example for the younger ones.
”Having been with the team for a while and having played in two World Cups, of course you try to convey what to do and what not to do.
“But, when it comes to the national team, they're established players, and you just end up having to adjust a little more. I am one of those wo thinks there are many ways to lead and this is my way of leading.”
Casemiro takes on the armband with Liverpool keeper Alisson and Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos both absent.
The Brazilian media report it is the 17th time he has been handed the honour of leading his country, and the last occasion was in October 2023, against Uruguay.
United team-mate Matheus Cunha is also in the squad and in line to feature in Friday's game against South Korea in Seoul, with Japan to follow on Tuesday, in Tokyo.
The challenges facing Brazil during this break should stand the five-time world champions in good stead for next summer's big tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“With all due respect to other teams, South Korea and Japan are the top sides [in Asia],”
explained our no.18. “We're playing against high-level teams, and it's important to get to know the team, to understand their level, and see how the opponent is doing.
”It's crucial to diversify. This is a World Cup, where there will be many rivals, and you don't know who you'll face.“