Neymar has described Casemiro as the “best midfielder in the world” after his starring role in Brazil’s World Cup win over Switzerland.
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Neymar was withdrawn in the 80th minute of Brazil’s 2-0 win over Serbia in their first World Cup match on Thursday.
The Paris Saint-Germain star was then pictured in tears on the bench, while images of his swollen ankle began to circulate on social media after the clash.
He was subsequently ruled out of his nation’s next group matches against Switzerland – which Brazil won 1-0 on Monday – and is almost certain to miss the following group game against Cameroon.
Brazil managed to find a way to win without Neymar on Monday as Casemiro’s bolt from the blue earned the Selecao qualification for the Round of 16 after a hard-fought clash with Switzerland. The Manchester United midfielder scored late on to secure a tough but deserved win for Tite’s team.
That prompted Neymar to write on his Twitter account after his nation’s win, honouring his international teammate: “Casemiro has been the best midfielder in the world for a long time.”
Casemiro produced a starring display in the heart of the Brazil midfield and, it was the injury to Neymar that allowed him to pair up with Fred in the centre of the pitch – with the United star taking the place of Neymar in the starting XI.
It was a superb performance by Casemiro – who joined United this summer after a good spell at Real Madrid, where he won five Champions League titles – and has already improved Erik ten Hag’s team, instantly establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s star players.
Switzerland manager Murat Yakin told reporters after his team’s defeat: “Well the gameplan for a long time seemed to be working. We had a lot of good running and we believe now, that looking at the result, it’s a sad outcome for us.
“We let it slip through our fingers. In offence we lacked courage — so I congratulate Brazil on their win and with a little more luck, we could have done more. We have a lot of good takeaways here and that’s important for the next game.”
