Manchester United midfielder and Brazil stalwart Casemiro has confessed the Selecao squad often joke about how sorry they feel for their World Cup rivals due to the astonishing talent at the South American's disposal.
Brazil secured all three points in their opening World Cup clash against Serbia, but will be without main talisman Neymar against Switzerland in game two as the 30-year-old has been ruled out for the reminder of the group stage with a nasty-looking ankle injury picked up in the 2-0 win on Thursday night.
While some have pondered whether this latest fitness blow dents Brazil's chances and status as tournament favourites, Casemiro feels Tite's side have more than enough young talent waiting in the wings to deputise for their crocked superstar.
"We could spend several days talking about Neymar, the player he is, his qualities and how important he is for our team. It's unavoidable — he is our biggest player, the difference-maker in our team," Casemiro told reporters before their second tie against Switzerland.
"However, we have other players that have been performing in the same level like Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Richarlison, Gabriel Jesus.
"Those of us who play in the back end often joke we feel sorry for our rivals because we can replace Raphinha for Antony, Richarlison for Gabriel Jesus. We have Rodrygo, Gabriel Martinelli. We have a wide array of options [on the bench]. It's great for us. But it does not change that Neymar is our best player."
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Brazil got off to a slow start against Serbia in their first outing in Qatar, but an impressive brace from Tottenham talent Richarlison was enough to hand them all three points.
Many view the five-time winners as the favourites this time around as they look to end their two-decade wait to lift football's most coveted trophy for a sixth time.
Should Tite wish to deploy a similar 4-2-3-1 formation as the one seen against Serbia, Real Madrid man Rodrygo is viewed as the most obvious Neymar replacement given he was selected in the role for three warm-up games in the build-up to the tournament.
The young Los Blancos star impressed when he came on towards the back end of the victory on match-day one, with Casemiro singing his praises before the next contest.
"Rodrygo lights up the eyes and delights everyone with his play,” Casemiro said. "He is a star player, he has the natural gift of playing football.
"It's nice to see him play. Those who like football will always enjoy watching him play."
