Former Liverpool player Graeme Souness has doubled down on his view of Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, reiterating his belief that the Brazilian ace is a "steady Eddie".
Casemiro arrived at Old Trafford from Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, with the five-time Champions League winner having made an impressive start to life at United. The 31-year-old has thrived under Erik ten Hag this season and has added more quality to the Reds' midfield.
The combative midfielder scored the opening goal as Ten Hag's men defeated Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final last weekend - with United winning their first trophy since 2017. The Reds are the only English side still capable of winning the quadruple this campaign.
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Despite Casemiro receiving widespread praise, Souness - after the Brazilian's move to United was confirmed - insisted the fee was "too much money". The Scotsman also claimed that the former Real star wouldn't improve the Reds in possession, and argued it was a "typical" signing of the club's failed transfer strategy in the past few years.
Ahead of United's clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, Gary Neville asked his fellow Sky Sports pundit if he had changed his mind about the Brazilian.
"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."
Souness then 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."
It comes after Souness previously claimed that Casemiro doesn't "excite" viewers, while also criticising his range of passing and suggesting that he was "good but not great".
Speaking on talkSPORT in August, he said. "I don’t think he’s got any great range of passing, I don’t think he’s going to make other people play. The Real Madrid and that midfield, in particular, was full of footballing types. I see him as being a steady Eddie.
"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."
In October, 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 10 every week. In my language, it means he’s a seven, 7.5 every week, he is a real team player."
Casemiro has made 34 appearances for United in all competitions this season, registering five goals and five assists.
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