Madridismo is in tension these days on a question: the future of Casemiro. His departure for Man United warms up, which would mean saying goodbye to a footballer from the time in Real Madrid. The white club, in recognition of his career as a merengue, leaves him in his hands.
An exit like Casemiro’s has an impact on any team. For Real Madrid, it would be a farewell to a capital footballer in reaching the last four Champions League and even in the tenth for the way he held the team Dortmund.
No Madrid player averaged more minutes than ’14’ in the last five years (3830′). In the 48 games he played in the 2021/2022 season, he averaged 2.45 clearances per game, 2.7 aerial duels won, 85.97% pass success and 64.41% tackle success. There is hardly anyone who can match that, much less match it with the clout the Brazilian carries in the dressing room.
[Casemiro y el ejemplo de Varane: cambiar un Real Madrid de Champions por el Manchester United]
But Real Madrid is used to such situations. Throughout history, the world’s best have passed through its ranks and the club has prevailed. In recent years, cases of Cristiano Ronaldo or Sergio Ramos demonstrated. Casemiro’s exit would be almost as painful as those of these two.
However, there are several conditions to consider that Casemiro’s departure could come at a less poignant time. First, because the player turns 31 in six months and an offer of almost €80 million for him would be almost out of the market. And secondly, because Real Madrid has taken it upon themselves to cover their backs.
Tchoauméni, immediate relief
If there has been an obsession in Madrid in recent years, it has been to secure CMK’s relief. The trio created by Casemiro, modric Y Kroos practically impossible to repeat in history. We’re talking about the best midfield the 14-man club has had European cups. Assuming this, the importance of finding good replacements to take up the baton was crucial.
This is Casemiro’s Aurelien Chuameni. He was signed at the start of the summer for another 80 kilos, a high figure that shows two things: the confidence he has in the player’s growth and the value he places on finding the right replacement for the Brazilian. He was or already ex of Monaco22 years, or no one.
Real Madrid XI with Chuameni
When Chuameni was signed, it was not thought of as a replacement, but to ensure the future. The present, for its price and what it has already shown in League-1, may also raise certain doubts in Casemiro. But Real Madrid understand that the player would be ready to take a leading role. If the Brazilian’s departure is confirmed, he is the pick to take his place in the playing eleven.
It is impossible for Chuameni to have the automaticity with Modric and Kroos that Casemiro had, but Madrid want him to follow his own path, one that is expected to take many years with other partners: Faith Valverde Y Kamavinga.
Chuameni, Benzema, Kamavinga and Mendy, Real Madrid’s French clan celebrate European Super Cup
Real Madrid
Chuameni is still a rookie at Madrid and won’t be picking up Casemiro’s armbands, but what he reflects on the pitch isn’t that different compared to the Brazilian. Last year in Monaco, he played 46 games, averaging 2.47 clearances per game, 2.1 aerial duels won, 86.24% pass success and 56.14% tackle success. The difference between one and the other is small.
In addition, Chuameni shares with Casemiro one of his great virtues: physical endurance. Last season alone, he played 4,231 minutes for Monaco, which is already more than any season record Casemiro has achieved. This means he is also prepared for demanding courses like the ones the Brazilian had at the white club.
Real Madrid XI with Alaba as a prop
Finally, Real Madrid also have a wild card this season: David Alaba. The Austrian, who in just one year has become another of the bosses of the dressing room, is versatile and can play as a left back and a pivot in addition to being a central defender. The emergence of Antonio Rudiger at the back, added to the untouchable Nacho Fernandez in the rotation, gives the white number ‘4’ more freedom.
Thus, Madrid continue to have a hierarchy in midfield while the figure of Chuameni takes shape. And without Casemiro, another figure to increase his minutes would be Dani Ceballos as the closest thing to Modric in the squad. The midfield has a lot of room to defend, but saying goodbye to a legend is never easy.