Carlos Casemiro has been a true asset to Real Madrid. Having raised his stock through his crucial and consistent performances for the club, Casemiro has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in world football right now. Finding him a replacement, in the long run, would be a tiresome process for Florentino Perez and co.
Casemiro has been a true representation of Madridismo. I see him as one of the modern faces of the club and everything it stands for. As such, a replacement for someone as crucial as him will not only need to be a gifted player, they’d also need to be a truly committed servant to the Royal Crest. Here, I highlight three players who could step up to become one of such great fits in the ‘Casemiro role’ and a replacement in the longer run.
3. Marseille CDM Boubacar Kamara
Marseille’s young possession and Academy Graduate, Boubacar Kamara is stepping up as a crucial part of their squad and one of the next big things in defensive midfield. Kamara at 21 years of age has caught the attention of many with his consistent outings for his club. With a towering presence of 184 cm of height, Kamara also shines in the air, a trait Real Madrid could really use.
He has already scored a goal this season in the French Ligue 1 and has been very consistent in all of his outings. He has especially shined on the European Stage. In just two matches in the Europa League this season, the young man has set a brilliant record placing key passes at an average of 1.5 per match. However, his long balls are the real show. He averages 2.5 in them in Ligue 1 and an outstanding 8 long balls every game in the Europa League, per WhoScored.
He is definitely a brilliant passer of the ball. On the defensive end of things, Kamara favors tackling in than waiting for an interception, his career stats in tackles show a brilliant average of 2.4 tackles per game. He also has a key ability to stay concentrated, it is no surprise that blocks are a constant feature of his play.
Having graduated through the same club’s youth system he plays for, he understands the elements of belongingness well that are visible in his undying efforts on the pitch. He could be a great replacement for Casemiro at Real Madrid down the line. And, not to forget he’d be a free agent next summer, per Transfermarkt and, that could be a crucial factor influencing his footballing career.