Graeme Souness has doubled down on his critique of Manchester United star midfielder Casemiro as being a "steady Eddie".
Casemiro joined United in a £70million deal in August as he ended a trophy-laden nine years at Real Madrid – where he won five Champions League crowns at the base of a midfield alongside Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. The trio formed a formidable partnership that largely dominated Europe.
United’s signing of Casemiro has proven inspired with the Brazilian starring for United this campaign - adding balance, control, leadership and structure to a team that desperately needed such attributes, and is a contender for the Premier League Player of the Season award.
Casemiro has proven to be a catalyst in United's upturn in form as they secured the EFL Cup – their first trophy in six years – and are still competing in the Europa League and FA Cup, alongside lingering outside hopes of a league title, as they sit third in the standings.
However, Souness was unconvinced of the signing and stated that the fee was "too much money." The Liverpool legend also claimed that Casemiro wouldn't improve United in possession, and was a “typical” signing of United’s failed strategy in recent seasons.
“I don’t think he’s got any great range of passing, I don’t think he’s going to make other people play," Souness told talkSPORT in August, shortly after Casemiro arrived at Old Trafford. "The Real Madrid and that midfield, in particular, was full of footballing types. I see him as being a ‘Steady Eddie’.
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“He is 30 years old, it’s £60million with add-ons, it’s too much money. It’s Man United all over again, Man United will pay a premium for players. But I don’t see him making them any better when he has the ball.
“I never think ‘I’m really excited to watch Casemiro’. I think he’ll make them [United] more solid when he’s on the ball because he senses danger and is experienced. I don’t think he’s got a range of passing, I’ve not seen that. Maybe he’ll prove me wrong but I’ve not seen him ping it all over the place.”
Souness continued with that assessment in October, when he reiterated: "He is a good steady Eddie. He will hold the fort, that’s what a steady Eddie is. He’s a good player, not a great player.
"A steady Eddie is a 7.5 out of ten every week. In my language it means he’s a seven, 7.5 every week, he is a real team player."
Ahead of United’s trip to Sunday, Gary Neville asked his fellow Sky Sports pundit if he had changed his mind on the Brazilian midfielder: “Your call on Casemiro, are you changing your mind on him?” Neville asked. “You said he was a good player but not a great player.”
To which Souness responded: “He is a steady eddie. I would be happy with that description in that position. I would describe Casemiro as a foundation piece, who you can build your team on.
“I like him, but is he better than I thought? No. He is getting goals, which is not really his strongest point.”
