Manchester United star Casemiro has delivered glowing praise for club captain Bruno Fernandes following another sensational season.
During a recent interview with former United defender Rio Ferdinand, Casemiro took aim at modern football’s obsession with statistics and safe passing numbers.
The holding midfielder passionately defended players who take risks and consistently try to hurt the opposition.
He told Ferdinand (via Rio Ferdinand Presents): “The new generation, they are about statistics.
“You finish the game, and he has 97% pass accuracy. What passes? Just passing back and negative passes.
“Bruno plays forward every time, and every time he kills the opposite team. ‘You give me space? I kill you, I kill you, I kill you.’
“I love this, because sometimes you lose two or three balls, but you look in the front all the time. For me, I love Bruno.”
Casemiro knows greatness when he sees it
Casemiro’s opinion carries enormous weight given the legendary players he has shared the pitch with throughout his extraordinary career.
The Brazilian is a five-time UEFA Champions League winner and widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive midfielders of his generation.
He has played alongside iconic midfield maestros such as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric while also battling against legendary figures like Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
That is precisely why his praise for Fernandes feels so significant.
The Portuguese magician has undoubtedly been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season.
Despite constant criticism from pundits over losing possession too often, Fernandes remains one of the few elite midfielders brave enough to consistently attempt difficult and decisive passes.
He thrives on a high-risk, high-reward style of football that prioritises creativity and attacking ambition over safe statistics.
It has helped him to bag 19 assists in English top flight this campaign.
Another assist in the final two games could help him match the ultimate feat of 20 assists in a single season held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
