Bryan Robson thinks Ruben Amorim has a player in his squad who has the highest IQ of any footballer past and present | OneFootball

It’s safe to say Manchester United legend Bryan Robson is a huge fan of Casemiro.

At a recent event, Robson was put on the spot by Mail Sport to build his perfect footballer.

Including the likes of Paul Gascoigne (right foot), himself (left foot) and Roy Keane (strength), he opted for United’s No.18 when it came to ‘footballing IQ’. 

Casemiro has proven his reliability for over a decade

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

In truth, there’s a reason why the Brazilian was one of Europe’s most consistent and dependable midfielders for years on end. 

He played an absolutely integral role in Real Madrid’s frequent triumphs, and ended his nine-year tenure with five Champions Leagues to his name.

Despite being 30 years old at the time of his arrival at Old Trafford, United shelled out £70 million to add Casemiro to Erik ten Hag’s ranks in 2022, signing him on a four-year deal, plus the option of a further 12 months.

Casemiro has now racked up 134 appearances in Red, whilst also establishing himself as something of a goalscoring midfielder by notching 20 goals in that time (as well as 13 assists).

His most recent contribution came against Nottingham Forest last weekend in a 2-2 draw. The week prior, he scored and assisted in United’s 4-2 win over Brighton and Hove Albion.

Amorim concedes United work better when Casemiro plays

(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Initially, when Amorim took the reins in M16, Casemiro fell in the pecking order after struggling to adjust to the new system the coach had implemented.

However, after plenty of trialling and rotating, Amorim eventually acknowledged that his team were considerably more stable when the veteran started.

Casemiro has started eight of the side’s 10 Premier League matches played this term, being utilised off the bench against Manchester City and being suspended for the defeat away to Brentford due to the red card he was shown against Chelsea.

“He (Casemiro) has improved a lot, not just the way he plays, but the way he runs,” said Amorim back in May.

“We understood he can no longer jump all the time, pressing high. So sometimes it’s better to let him be the fourth defender and then put the wingbacks pressing high, so these are small things we’re trying to understand, trying to cope with all the characteristics of all the team, but the credit is for Casemiro.”

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