Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has included former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo as one of his three ‘greatest players’ of the current generation of footballers – but he could not find a space for several other world-class players.
Casemiro, 32, played with Ronaldo, 39, at Real Madrid and United before the five-time Ballon d’Or left the Red Devils for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in November 2022.
Not only has the Brazilian played with Ronaldo, but he shared the pitch with several iconic footballers during his time in Madrid.
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The former Porto man was part of a formidable midfield three – alongside Luka Modric and Toni Kroos – before he joined United in August 2022.
On the international stage, he has played with the likes of Neymar, Thiago Silva and Alisson.
But did any of his counterparts make his three ‘greatest players’ list?
Speaking with Brazilian magazine Placar in 2023, he explained his choices.
"I had the pleasure of seeing [Lionel] Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, who are the three greatest of my generation,” said Casemiro.
"Lionel Messi made his mark. You can't deny it. He was always a rival with Barcelona and with Argentina. There was no way to escape it.
"But those who like football, like Messi. It was a pleasure playing against him. He is a guy who does not need comment. You just have to admire him.
“I saw Ronaldo [Nazario], I saw Zinedine Zidane. But without a doubt, these three are the best of my time.
"I never played against Cristiano, thank God! He gave me many titles and victories."
Although in recent times, the United man has come under fire for some poor performances, once his career is done, he too will arguably be remembered as one of the best midfielders of his generation.
He has an FA Cup and Carabao Cup medal to show his efforts in a United shirt, but he reached his peak at Madrid.
During his nine-year spell in the Spanish capital, he secured five Champions Leagues, three La Ligas, a Copa del Rey and three Club World Cups.
Plus, he also boasts a Copa America crown, which he won with Brazil in 2019.
Topics: Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Casemiro, Football
Luke Davies