#5 Casemiro
Trending
Given the plethora of attacking talent that exists in the country, it is often the case that several Brazilians are not recognised for their defensive contributions. Real Madrid’s Casemiro, who is, slowly yet steadily building a reputation for himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, is one such case.
The former Sao Paulo man arrived at the Spanish shores in January 2013, initially on loan, and was soon rewarded for his ability on and off the ball with a permanent transfer to the club that numerous elite footballers have found hard to impress. The 25-year-old defensive midfielder who spent a season on loan with Porto in a bid to afford him continued game time has established himself as a player that lends the balance required to top Champion sides in the latter half of the current season.
(Video Courtesy: BrazilStats YouTube Channel)
He is combative on the ground and is very effective going into duels, be it on the ground or in the air, and is often willing to put his body on the line for the cause of his side. What many fans do not appreciate as much as they should is his ability to keep things simple in the middle of the park for the Spanish giants.
Casemiro is tidy with his passing as well as in possession and has proven to be a tough opponent to line up against especially with his high-intensity work rate.
While he did his make his national team debut while at Sao Paulo in 2011, the player has since found playing time hard to come by for the national team, partly owing to injuries he suffered. He has been capped 14 times by the Brazilian national team, and despite the plethora of talent that exists around him, he needs to play more often for them so as to lend the requisite balance to the side.
