Note
With Illarramendi and Modric injured, Casemiro has taken a step forward and shown Benitez that he can be part of the rotation without the team suffering. Against Inter, the absences led him to partner with Kroos in midfield and he showed, as he himself said, that "he has come back from Porto as a man." Against the Italians, it was evident that he is not just a defensive midfielder, but also contributes to the creative tasks. The Brazilian moved the team with intelligence and showed that he has good long-range passing. Benitez already knew Casemiro well, as he closely followed him last season. But that has not prevented the midfielder from pleasantly surprising the coach.
The midfielder trained during his vacation and it shows in his physical condition. He lasted 77 minutes at high intensity, despite the 33-degree heat and 84 percent humidity in Guangzhou. Additionally, he made the appreciated gesture of returning earlier than his leave permit allowed after playing in the Copa America (he returned on July 17th, although he was free until the 25th), and Benitez liked this.
The Brazilian returned from Porto with the intention of succeeding at Madrid in a position currently overcrowded, but one that will be lightened with Lucas Silva's departure.
With Modric and Kroos as the starting duo, for Benitez the Brazilian competes with Illarra for the role of third central midfielder in the team. This is not a trivial position because last season, the German ended up heavily burdened with excessive minutes (4,595') and the team suffered from Modric's absence during his two periods of injury. Now, taking advantage of Illarra's injury, Casemiro is gaining an edge...