Why Casemiro is United's midfield general
When Erik ten Hag’s starting XI was revealed for Manchester United’s clash away at Everton on Sunday evening, Casemiro’s first Premier League start as a Red was confirmed.
The Brazilian began our 3-2 victory at Omonia Nicosia on Thursday, and the boss maintained his faith in the five-time Champions League winner for the trip to Merseyside.
In a challenging Goodison Park atmosphere and tough weather conditions, Casemiro played a key role, as the Reds recorded an important 2-1 away win against Frank Lampard’s in-form Blues.
Casemiro’s growing influence
Casemiro is still adjusting to English football, but the signs from his first Premier League start are promising…
THE SIGNS ARE THERE
The majority of Casemiro’s play against the Toffees highlighted what an asset he will become for the Reds this season.
Battling for possession, and also having eye for a pass, the Brazilian demonstrated just why Ten Hag brought him to Old Trafford in the summer.
Of course, as is expected of a player still adapting to life in the Premier League, there were a couple of rogue passes and lapses in concentration, but Casemiro dealt with the pressure well.
The midfielder recovered possession as quickly as he had lost it, and United were on the attack again.
PRECISE PASSING
Our no.18 played some superb passes to his team-mates from his deep midfield role.
None of Casemiro’s balls were more impressive than his assist, though, when the Brazilian regained possession well in the centre of the park before splitting the Everton defence with one through ball to the feet of Cristiano Ronaldo. Of course, you know what happened next.
This assist epitomised both sides of Casemiro’s game: tough tackling combined with quality in possession.
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RESILIENT DEFENDING
When the 30-year-old arrived from Real Madrid in August, he brought with him a strong reputation as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
It’s safe to say Casemiro hasn’t disappointed.
In addition to affecting the ball directly, he could be seen barking orders to his team-mates throughout our match against Everton, as the Reds weathered a late storm from the hosts to see out a vital three points.
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PRAISE FROM THE BOSS
After the game, Ten Hag was asked about Casemiro’s impact so far.
“He is experienced,” said the Dutchman. “Even after a small mistake, he [remained] composed, he is doing the right things.
“He has a huge impact on the game by winning so many balls and always in good positions to receive balls, to link up, to pass around, and he was really important with the goal.
“[It was] a good ball in, a good pass to Cristiano and a good finish.”