Casemiro is not over yet. |
In the modern football world , where age is often considered the greatest enemy of every player, there are warriors who still defy the laws of nature to assert their timeless class. Casemiro - the Brazilian giant is proving that he belongs in that world.
From the downhill of his career to the peak of Europe
At the beginning of the 2024/25 season, many experts and fans rushed to ring the alarm bell for Casemiro's career at Old Trafford. At the age of 33, with signs of decline in speed and fitness, the Brazilian midfielder seemed to become a burden for the team. But like a quiet undercurrent, the former Real Madrid star chose the right moment to counterattack.
His clever handling of the ball against Athletic Bilbao, his header in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final, and his ability to control the tempo of the game all showed a completely different Casemiro than he had in the first half of the season. Rather than being the traditional "defensive defender", he turned himself into an unpredictable attacking threat for the opposition.
The stats don't lie. 2 goals, 2 assists in the last 4 games. But what's more impressive is his presence on the pitch - without Casemiro, Manchester United have lost 3 games in a row. This is no coincidence, but a testament to the huge influence of an irreplaceable factor.
What is the secret to Casemiro maintaining his peak form at an age when many of his peers are considering retirement? The answer lies in his ability to constantly adapt and evolve his playing style.
Casemiro is still valuable. |
When speed is no longer his strong point, he makes up for it with his superb reading of the game. When his stamina starts to decline, Casemiro knows how to conserve energy and explode at the right time. In a formation with two central midfielders alongside Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro is no longer simply the "ball vacuum" he was at the Bernabeu.
Now he is the architect of play from midfield, the link between defence and attack, and an unexpected threat when he moves forward to join the attack. This transformation is not only the product of experience but also the result of scientific training and a strong will.
"Casemiro is not the fastest or the most technical player, but he reads the game like no one else," coach Ruben Amorim once shared. "That's why he is always in the right place at the right time."
King of the finals
There is a strange thing about Casemiro that not many people notice: he was born to conquer big matches. The statistic of 20 victories in 22 finals throughout his career is not a random number. It is proof of the steely spirit of a true warrior.
At Manchester United, Casemiro won both finals he played in (League Cup 2023 and FA Cup 2024). Even more impressively, since 2021, he has not tasted defeat in any final. This explains why coach Amorim always prioritizes using him in decisive matches, despite criticism from experts.
Casemiro has exploded in recent matches. |
On the pitch, Casemiro has a rare quality: the more pressure he is under, the more he shines. This comes from his 5 Champions League titles with Real Madrid - where he learned how to handle difficult situations under enormous pressure.
Casemiro's contributions don't stop at what he does on the pitch. In the dressing room, the former Real Madrid star is a beacon of young talent. Bruno Fernandes once revealed: "Case doesn't talk much, but when he does, everyone listens. He knows what it takes to win."
For young players like Kobbie Mainoo, playing alongside a Champions League legend is an invaluable learning experience. And Casemiro doesn’t keep his experience to himself – he passes it on, mentors and elevates those around him.
This is why, despite the speculation about his future, the Manchester United board still see Casemiro as an indispensable piece in the club's rebuilding plan. They understand that to build a successful empire, you need warriors who know how to win.
With the Europa League final on the horizon, Casemiro has the chance to prove once again that age is just a number. With his current form and undeniable influence, he deserves at least one more season to continue his story at Old Trafford.
Casemiro is not the long-term future of Manchester United - that both he and the club know. But in the present, there is no one who can replace him. As a bridge between a glorious past and a promising future, the Brazilian midfielder is leading the Red Devils back to where they belong.
From the "sleeping giant", Casemiro awakened strongly, bringing the halo back to Old Trafford. And when the warrior woke up, all of Europe had to be wary.
Source: https://znews.vn/tinh-the-dao-nguoc-voi-casemiro-post1552540.html
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