Opinion: Casemiro finally getting wider credit he deserves

Ruben Amorim acknowledged Casemiro’s attitude to the job, saying on Saturday: “He’s so important to us and I’m really very happy with him.

“The other players should take Casemiro as an example. You just have to work. If you do what’s necessary, you will play.”

For a guy who has won five UEFA Champions Leagues, he does not appear to have a huge ego and, instead, doubles down and works even harder to make his mark, when any adversity does come his way. Perhaps this is due to his upbringing in Sao Paulo.

Nobody would ever doubt his quality, as one of the finest holding midfielders of his generation, but we are now seeing his influence grow further in this tactical system. Back as a key figure for his country too, under his former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, he captained Brazil for their recent friendlies in Asia and will be hoping to have plenty to celebrate at next year’s World Cup finals.