World Cup winner in 2002 as a defensive midfielder, Gilberto Silva believes that this time round it is Casemiro in that same role who will make the difference for the ‘Selecao’.
Gilberto was the perfect foil for Ronaldo, Rivaldo and co. in 2002 and he played all seven games as Brazil triumphed in Tokyo. 16 years later he is hoping that Casemiro will be able to do that same for Neymar and Coutinho.
Casemiro has gone from strength to strength since Zinedine Zidane brought him into the Real Madrid fold two years ago, and he will be full of confidence having just won his third consecutive Champions League.
“For me, Casemiro is one of the best, if not the best in the defensive midfield position,” Gilberto said to ‘Sky Sports’.
“Since my retirement all the players that have played in this role for Brazil have played differently. With all respect to all of the other players that have played there,their style was completely different. At one point we had Paulinho playing with Ramires and they have the same style of play.
“Neither of them played in the holding midfield role, however, now with Casemiro they have someone who holds the position and protects the back four. It frees up the attacking players.
“It also frees up Paulinho,” he added. “He can attack more and the combination between the two players works well. to move forward and that’s good for Brazil because he’s very good when he gets himself into the box to get on the end of crosses.”