Brazil will benefit from Casemiro's "invisible" role as the Manchester United star is tipped to perform a key job at the World Cup - which could cause England problems in a potential clash.
The midfielder, who moved from Real Madrid to Old Trafford in the summer, has enjoyed a trophy-laden club career. His performances in the middle of the park for Los Blancos have helped them dominate Europe and the 30-year-old now wants to translate that form to the World Cup.
Twenty years ago it was Gilberto Silva sitting as the midfield anchor in a star-studded line-up. He believes Casemiro will be key for the South Americans, who won their opening game, and wants him to mimic the job he performed two decades ago - when they beat the Three Lions en route to the trophy.
He told the BBC : "My job when Brazil won the 2002 World Cup was to be invisible on the pitch - if I did it right, it made things easier for the players in front of me, as well as for myself. It is the same situation now for Casemiro, the defensive midfielder who is at the heart of this Brazil team trying to end our 20-year wait to win it again. He has a great responsibility in my old position."
Brazil boss Tite is spoilt for choice in forward areas. Richarlison has got the nod ahead of Gabriel Jesus in attack whilst Raphinha, Vinicius Jnr and Gabriel Martinelli are also options. Star man Neymar will miss the next two games through injury, but is integral for his country.
Gilberto is adamant that Casemiro helps the attacking stars flourish. "Right now, I think we have the right balance," he added. "I am very happy with our back four and also with the players in front of them who teach the side to be solid. This is where Casemiro's intelligence holds the key."
Will Brazil win the World Cup? Tell us what you think here.
Casemiro finished Brazil's opening game alongside club team-mate Fred. The United duo are a potential midfield partnership for Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford and the pair have been hugely effective on the international scene, only losing the once alongside each other.
Gilberto added: "It works very well because Casemiro sits at the back like I did and Fred is more mobile, like Kleberson was when he was next to me in our midfield at the 2002 World Cup. But Fred is also defensively strong. He is not just in front of Casemiro, he plays alongside him too and helps him do his job.
"They have an understanding now and I'm hoping this partnership will work well again at this World Cup. If we are going to win it, it will play such an important part."
England and Brazil, provided they win their respective groups, will go into separate halves of the draw meaning they wouldn't meet until the final if they both got there.
