Raphinha would love Manchester United star Casemiro in the Barcelona team as the two clubs prepare to face off in the Europa League.
The Reds travel to the Nou Camp tonight for the first leg of their Europa League play off tie against the Catalan giants, with Xavi's side at Old Trafford for the second leg next week. And ahead of the game, Raphinha, who moved to the Spanish giants from Leeds United in the summer, said his international team-mate is someone he would love to play alongside at club level.
Casemiro has quickly established himself as one of United's most important players since arriving from Barca's rivals Real Madrid. And Raphinha, who plays alongside the midfielder for Brazil, is a huge fan of the 30-year-old.
ALSO READ: Erik ten Hag is using Barcelona template to finish United's rebuild
"Man, Casemiro is a player that I always talk about to my friends and family," Raphinha told ESPN Brazil. "He’s a player that I’d particularly like to have on my team.
"In addition to the experience he has in football and all the things he has achieved in football, he’s a great leader, he’s a great person, and he manages to complete a team with the quality he has. For me, he’s one of the best defensive midfielders in the world."
Raphinha was full of praise for United when questioned on the Reds prior to the clash and knows Barcelona will need to be at their best to overcome Erik ten Hag's side. Both teams are in good form with United third in the Premier League and into the Carabao Cup final this weekend, while Xavi's men boast an eight-point advantage at the top of La Liga.
READ NEXT:
