Roy Keane waxed lyrical about the impact Casemiro has made at Manchester United ahead of Sunday's Premier League showdown with Liverpool at Anfield.
The Brazilian, who has scored five goals this season, has made a huge impact in M16, playing a key role in the club's resurrection under manager Erik ten Hag. Signed after the club's long-term pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong failed, Casemiro has been nothing short of sensational.
Brought in to add a much-needed defensive presence to the Reds' midfield - something that was sorely missed last season - the 31-year-old has given Ten Hag's side the control and defensive robustness that it was in need of. He has also offered United an unexpected attacking threat, racking up 10 direct goal contributions so far this term.
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And while his attacking output has been an unexpected trait that United have benefitted from this term, it is his winning mentality that has most frequently earned plaudits this season. For former midfield ace Keane, Casemiro has impacted United in five different ways.
"I think the recruitment's been excellent," Keane told Sky Sports. "Casemiro has played a big part of it - not just what he's brought on the pitch, his brilliant play, he's a big personality, he's a winner and I think what the really brilliant players do is make everybody around them better.
"He's done that with Fred and one or two of the other midfielders, so he's been a big plus.
"Also his attacking play, there was this mindset when he came to the club that he was going to be this sitting midfielder which he kind of had to do at Real Madrid - they had more attacking players around him, so what he's brought in terms of attacking style, a few goals he's got, a few headed goals, I think that’s been a surprise to everybody.
"But it's been his personality that he's brought to the club and winning mentality that's lifted everybody. Of course they've paid big money for him, he's on a huge contract, but he's been a huge bonus. The fact he's settled into it so quickly as well is a big plus for United."
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