Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is poised to assume the role of permanent captain for the Brazil national team after an impressive return to form during the September international break.
After a somewhat sluggish start to the new Premier League season, Casemiro has displayed promising signs of returning to his formidable self on international duty.
The experienced midfielder delivered a standout performance as Brazil defeated Bolivia 5-1 on Friday night. According to South American publication UOL Esporte, Casemiro’s vast experience and his influence both on and off the pitch are likely to earn him the coveted captain’s armband for one of the world’s most renowned national teams, ahead of notable figures like Neymar, Marquinhos, and Alisson Becker.
Brazil coach Fernando Diniz spoke highly of Casemiro, describing him as a “very big player” with exceptional technical abilities and deep knowledge of his position. Diniz has known Casemiro since his time at Sao Paulo.
The report also suggests that Diniz is considering the advantages and disadvantages of deploying Casemiro in a more advanced ‘number eight’ role, capitalizing on his goal-scoring potential from deeper positions. In the current Brazil squad managed by Diniz, only three players – Neymar, Richarlison, and Gabriel Jesus – have scored more goals for the Selecao than Casemiro’s seven.
Diniz stated, “He almost played with the number eight shirt. He is very intelligent, a great leader of our team. I had this conversation with him. I think he will benefit greatly from a more attacking role because he possesses a lot of quality. Sometimes, his abilities are overshadowed by his defensive responsibilities, and he doesn’t get as much recognition.”
Casemiro remains a crucial figure in Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United lineup. Ten Hag will be hoping that Casemiro can recapture his form from last season, particularly when paired with the recently acquired Sofyan Amrabat.
