Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has named Casemiro as Brazil’s most important player in the World Cup. Gilberto, who helped Brazil to their last World Cup title in 2002, is hoping the 26-year-old, who made his Brazil debut as a 19-year-old in 2011, can fill the void he left to deliver a first success in 16 years.
“For me, Casemiro is one of the best, if not the best in the defensive midfield position, Since my retirement all the players that have played in this role for Brazil have played differently. None 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,” he told Sky Sports.
Brazil are favourites to win this years’s World Cup.