Casemiro has once again proven why he remains one of the most influential midfielders of his generation, earning widespread praise in Brazil following his standout performance in the Seleção’s 2–0 victory over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The Manchester United veteran rolled back the years with a commanding display — scoring Brazil’s second goal and dictating play from deep — as Carlo Ancelotti’s side continued their unbeaten run under his leadership. His performance not only silenced critics questioning his form but also reinforced the belief in Brazil that he has “evolved” into a new kind of midfield leader heading into the 2026 World Cup.
“Casemiro has evolved — now a great playmaker”
Brazilian outlet Folha de São Paulo described Casemiro’s current form as a transformation, praising the 33-year-old for adapting his game to modern football’s demands.
“There is no longer any reason to divide the midfield between the number five, eight and ten,” the newspaper wrote. “They blend together. Casemiro, who has always stood out from midfield back, has evolved and is now a great playmaker.”
The report drew parallels with comments once made by Jürgen Klopp, who argued that modern football requires midfielders who can both recover the ball high up the pitch and initiate attacks. Folha concluded that Casemiro now embodies that hybrid model — a defensive destroyer and creative orchestrator rolled into one.
Brazil’s new midfield formula under Ancelotti
Casemiro’s partnership with Bruno Guimarães has become one of the defining features of Ancelotti’s Brazil setup. As Globo Esporte noted, the pair’s growing chemistry has brought both defensive balance and attacking rhythm to a team once accused of lacking cohesion in midfield.
“Increasingly in sync, Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães are consolidating themselves as the starting midfield duo for the World Cup,” Globo wrote.
“Since Ancelotti’s arrival, both have demonstrated a good ability to alternate in chasing down opposing midfielders and participating in the build-up to attacking plays.”
Meanwhile, Correio Braziliense highlighted Casemiro’s leadership role, calling him one of the final links between Brazil’s last World Cup cycle and the new generation of stars like Estevão and Rodrygo.
“Casemiro, one of the few remaining players from the last World Cup and the team’s main leader alongside Marquinhos, sealed the result,” the outlet wrote. “The presentation suggests that Ancelotti has found a starting lineup — or at least something very close to it.”
Casemiro’s numbers vs Senegal
Casemiro was instrumental in midfield once again, combining tactical discipline with a decisive attacking contribution. His performance earned him a 7.8 rating on Sofascore — one of the highest on the pitch.
| Casemiro vs Senegal (Friendly – 15 Nov 2025) | Stat |
|---|---|
| Goals | 1 |
| Total Shots | 2 |
| Shots on Target | 2 |
| Key Passes | 1 |
| Accurate Passes | 40/44 (91%) |
| Recoveries | 4 |
| Ground Duels (Won) | 10 (6) |
| Sofascore Rating | 7.8 |
source: Sofascore – 15 November 2025
The display marked Casemiro’s third goal in four games across club and country — a reminder of his growing offensive impact in both red and yellow shirts.
A late-career renaissance
After being recalled to the national team by Ancelotti following a two-year absence, Casemiro’s resurgence has been one of the major talking points in Brazil’s new era. The former Real Madrid stalwart has not only adapted his style but embraced a more expressive, creative role — mirroring how he’s been used recently at Manchester United.
His form has led several Brazilian outlets to declare him a near-certainty for the 2026 World Cup, likely as one of Ancelotti’s starting midfielders.
Our View: Casemiro’s evolution is a testament to his intelligence
In our view, Casemiro’s late-career reinvention underlines why he remains one of the game’s most complete midfielders. No longer just a destroyer, his positional awareness, passing range, and ability to dictate tempo have given both Brazil and Manchester United a new dimension.
With his United contract set to expire next summer — though the club hold a one-year extension option — it remains to be seen whether he’ll continue in the Premier League or seek a new challenge. But one thing is certain: his leadership and adaptability ensure he remains invaluable at every level.
Key Insights
- Brazilian media praise Casemiro’s evolution into a creative playmaker.
- The Manchester United star scored in Brazil’s 2–0 win over Senegal.
- Reports in Folha de São Paulo, Globo, and Correio Braziliense hail him as a “main leader.”
- He and Bruno Guimarães are seen as Ancelotti’s preferred World Cup midfield duo.
- Casemiro’s recent form (3 goals, 1 assist in 4 games) makes him a likely 2026 World Cup starter.
What’s Next
Brazil face Tunisia next in Lille, where Ancelotti is expected to field a similar midfield pairing. Casemiro will then return to Manchester United, who resume Premier League action against Everton on 24 November.
👉 Manchester United fans — do you think Casemiro has done enough to earn a new deal, or should the club move on next summer?
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 16 Nov 2025 10:31
He has find his form hasn’t he?! He looks like the player he was in his first season at United. His wages are extremely high and he’s beyond his prime, I’m not sure if they should reward him a new contract. But on the other hand Ugarte is anything near his level.
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