Can Casemiro sustain the demands of Brazil’s two-player midfield?
Approximately two years ago, some analysts in the Premier League suggested that Casemiro should consider retirement. They claimed that the Brazilian midfielder had lost his edge and should step away from elite football before it outpaced him.
Carlo Ancelotti disagreed.
The Italian manager expressed disappointment at losing him when he unexpectedly switched from Real Madrid to Manchester United. When Ancelotti assumed the role of Brazil’s head coach last year, his initial action was to reinstate Casemiro to the national squad after an 18-month absence.
In his book “The Dream: Breaking Champions League Records,” Ancelotti describes Casemiro as “the steady metronome at the heart of midfield.” Having been an international central midfielder himself, Ancelotti seems to view Casemiro as an extension of his own playing style, providing structure to the team, safeguarding the defense, and initiating forward passes.
The success of Casemiro’s return is evident. Earlier this week, Brazilian media outlet Globo Esporte conducted a poll asking readers to select their preferred Brazil lineup for Thursday’s friendly against France. The player who received the most votes—surpassing even Vinícius Júnior—was Casemiro, who then took the field against the French in Foxborough and demonstrated why he is held in such high regard by his coach and teammates.
Right from the outset of the match, during France’s first significant attack, he executed a crucial tackle near his own penalty area. Brazil’s best early opportunities arose from his two excellent long passes to Raphinha. He also posed a goal threat, narrowly missing with a shot from outside the box and a header from a corner.
Winning possession, initiating plays, and finishing—Casemiro was engaged in all aspects of a midfielder’s responsibilities. Nevertheless, he might have felt dissatisfied at halftime.
France took the lead with a well-placed strike from Kylian Mbappé, which stemmed from a moment when Casemiro lost the ball near the halfway line. However, the primary blame lay with the defense. Debutant center-back Léo Pereira had inadvertently put the team in a difficult position with a pass that pressured the midfielders, and he was subsequently easily bypassed when the ball was played past him.
The goal, and perhaps even the final score of 2-1 in favor of France, underscores the risks of placing excessive emphasis on the results of friendly matches. Should these teams face each other in the FIFA World Cup, Brazil’s defense will likely be significantly more effective. Ancelotti was deprived of his entire first-choice defensive lineup due to injuries, and he seized the chance to evaluate some less experienced players.
Additionally, there is an intriguing structural consideration. Acknowledging Brazil’s remarkable depth with wide forwards, Ancelotti evidently aims to implement a front four: against France, it consisted of Raphinha, Vinícius, Matheus Cunha, and Gabriel Martinelli. At full strength, Estêvão, who has thrived under Ancelotti, would replace the Arsenal winger. However, despite the brilliance of this quartet, a mathematical issue arises.
With a goalkeeper, a back four, and a front four, only two positions are available in the midfield. One of those, currently sidelined by injury, is Bruno Guimarães. The other is Casemiro. There is a risk that the central midfield duo could be overwhelmed, outnumbered, and dispossessed—similar to what occurred with Andrey Santos and Casemiro during the first French goal.
Following the match, Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with the team’s structure. He noted that Éderson had very few saves to make and that the attacking players had shown commendable defensive effort—Cunha was particularly notable in this aspect. The coach has consistently emphasized that he is not interested in players attending the World Cup with aspirations for the Ballon d’Or—in other words, the only way this system can function is with significant sacrifice from the forwards.
However, there is an additional factor that cannot be assessed on a spring afternoon outside Boston. Much of the upcoming World Cup will occur in extreme heat—consider Brazil’s third group match, which is scheduled for a 6 p.m. local kickoff in Miami. This introduces an extra layer of difficulty: can 34-year-old Casemiro genuinely participate in a two-man midfield when temperatures are elevated?
Brazil may opt for a different approach against Croatia in Orlando on Tuesday. It is also possible that adjustments will be made throughout the World Cup. After all, tournaments often unfold rapidly, with teams either coalescing or disintegrating.
Successful teams frequently alter their formations during the tournament. A logical adjustment would be to add a third midfielder; Botafogo’s Danilo, formerly of Nottingham Forest, made a positive impression with a lively second-half performance against France, and Lucas Paquetá, who was omitted this time, would also appear to be a strong contender.
There is much for Ancelotti to contemplate as he reflects on the encounter with the French. He may have anticipated his team making greater progress against an opponent reduced to ten men early in the second half. He could be worried about Vinícius’s performance, who struggled throughout the match. He likely heard the crowd chanting for Neymar as soon as the second French goal was scored. However, perhaps the most significant uncertainty revolves around the configuration of his team.
When Brazil triumphed in USA ’94, they adapted to the conditions by reinforcing the midfield—a strategy Ancelotti witnessed firsthand as an assistant coach for the defeated finalists Italy. The team he is currently assembling appears quite different. In the heat of June and July, can he genuinely expect Casemiro to cover extensive ground and shoulder substantial responsibility? Or might his reliable metronome be more effective in a three-man midfield?
