Real Madrid legend Casemiro talks Ronaldo, Bale, Benzema, Modric, Kroos, Messi | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has reflected on some of the biggest moments and personalities from his legendary spell in Spain during a lengthy conversation on Rio Ferdinand’s channel.

The Brazilian midfielder, who is preparing to leave Manchester United at the end of the season, spoke openly about his years at Real Madrid, discussing everything from El Clasico battles to dressing room chemistry with some of football’s greatest names.

Among the many topics covered, one particular answer immediately caught attention.

Despite sharing the pitch with players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Luka Modric, Casemiro surprisingly admitted that Gareth Bale was the most complete footballer he played alongside at Madrid.

Speaking about the Welshman’s qualities alongside Benzema’s role in attack, Casemiro said, 

“Benzema was more of a number nine on the day. He dropped deep a lot, creating space for Bale and Cristiano.

“Bale needed space. For me, he was the most complete player. Cristiano was all about goals, at least 15 goals. But Bale attacks, defends, is good in the air, scores goals, wins free-kicks.

“Cristiano is the best, he’s in a league of his own. Let’s leave him out of the conversation. 

“But for me, Bale is the most complete player. Everything he does is very good, very fast, very strong.”

On Ronaldo and Messi

Casemiro has nothing but respect for Messi. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)

Casemiro also spent time discussing Ronaldo’s mentality during his Real Madrid years, praising the Portuguese icon’s obsession with scoring regardless of the opponent.

Recalling Cristiano’s mentality inside the dressing room, he explained, “For me, his ambition in every match. It’s easy to have that against Barcelona, but I remember, for example, against Levante. He kills you. 

“He needs to score, he needs goals, goals, goals. His ambition is impressive. He gave me goals, trophies… it’s incredible.”

The Brazilian midfielder then turned his attention towards Lionel Messi and admitted Real Madrid often struggled to contain the Argentine superstar during Clasicos against Barcelona.

According to Casemiro, stopping Messi individually was simply impossible.

“It was impossible to mark him on your own. You need help. It was impossible to stop him. 

“When Barça weren’t playing well, Messi would take charge and that was it, three points.

“I remember a Barça match against Sevilla. It was 0-0, there were 18 minutes left and he was on the bench. He came on and scored two goals. He won it single-handedly.”

On Modric and Kroos

Casemiro also gave insight into the relentless pressure that comes with playing for Real Madrid, describing the standards at the club as unmatched.

Speaking about expectations at the Santiago Bernabeu, the midfielder admitted, 

“In Madrid, if you win La Liga, they ask you what’s happening with the Champions League. And if you win the Champions League, they ask you what’s happening with La Liga. 

Casemiro revealed the secret behind his partnership with Modric and Kroos. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images )

“If we win both, then, let’s see what happens next season. That’s Real Madrid. They don’t look back.”

The Brazilian also reflected warmly on his famous midfield partnership alongside Modric and Toni Kroos, explaining that their understanding came naturally over time.

“The key was the connection between us. We didn’t talk much, but we knew what the other liked. 

“You have to make sacrifices. If you make sacrifices, you get your chance to shine.”

Finally, when asked to name the best players from his generation, Casemiro placed Ronaldo and Messi in a category above everybody else while still reserving special praise for Neymar.

“For me, from my generation, the best were Cristiano, Messi and Neymar. 

“Neymar, perhaps a little lower down because he didn’t win many titles, but he was… In training, in matches… every touch was ‘wow’. 

“But Cristiano and Messi were from another planet,” he concluded.