Casemiro has hailed a former Real Madrid teammate currently in the Premier League as an 'amazing, unbelievable player'. The Brazilian played alongside Mateo Kovacic in Spain for three seasons, with the Croatian signing from Inter Milan in 2015 and leaving for Chelsea in 2018.
Among the great stars at Real Madrid, Kovacic's time there is not nearly as widely remembered as some, but he did win three Champions League titles and one La Liga crown, making 109 appearances for the Spanish giants. Since then he has won the Champions League again with Chelsea and the Premier League with Manchester City, in what has been a fabulous career, but one that has somehow remained under the radar despite immense success.
Casemiro remembers their time together at Real Madrid and sees the 32-year-old as a top player, but one who struggled to deal with the competition at the club. The Manchester United star says frustration got the better of Kovacic as he battled for a place in midfield with the likes of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
'I like Real Madrid because you don't look back, it's next,' Casemiro said on Rio Ferdinand Presents. 'What Manchester United has the same as Madrid, it doesn't matter how, but we need to win. You need to give everything on the pitch. We need to win. In Madrid, we won this game, next, don't look back. Yesterday doesn't matter. You need to look in front.
'For me, the most important thing for players in Madrid is about here [points to head]. I see there, very good players, but don't play too much because of this [head].
'For example, amazing player, Mateo Kovacic. He won the Champions League with Chelsea, he plays for City, he's an unbelievable, unbelievable player. But sometimes he plays, sometimes he doesn't play and when he doesn't play, he [says] "I need to play, I need to play."
'No, you need to be strong here [head]. Sometimes he doesn't play but stay calm, stay relaxed, because Mateo Kovacic is a top, top player, but he doesn't stay strong here [head].
'I respect he needs to play but he has Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in front. For me, this guy is an unbelievable player. He talks after the games, "I need to play." I know, but you need to stay calm.
'He goes to Chelsea, wins the Champions League, plays very well Manchester City, I have big respect for him.'
Kovacic's season has been ruined by injuries, with an Achilles problem and then an ankle issue keeping him out for months. He has played just three times in the Premier League this campaign, all as a substitute, struggling to regain his place in the side even when fit.
The 111-cap Croatia international returned to fitness in March but played just 24 minutes in the Premier League in April in two substitute appearances. Kovacic was an unused substitute as City beat Brentford 3-0 on Saturday.
Mental Toughness Key at Real Madrid
Casemiro's comments highlight the importance of mental strength at a club like Real Madrid, where competition for places is fierce. He believes Kovacic's frustration over playing time hindered his progress, despite his undeniable talent. The Brazilian's own success at Madrid and now at United underscores his ability to handle pressure.
Kovacic's Career Achievements
- Three Champions League titles with Real Madrid
- One La Liga crown with Real Madrid
- Champions League victory with Chelsea
- Premier League title with Manchester City
Despite these accolades, Kovacic has often been overlooked in discussions of elite midfielders. His recent injury struggles have further limited his impact, but Casemiro remains a staunch admirer.
