Gilberto Silva snubs Arsenal stars, names Casemiro as best defensive midfielder in the world
|Arsenal are set to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice in a £105 million deal in the coming days, with the England international set to become one of the most expensive players in history.
The 24-year-old is highly regarded as one of the best in his position in England, but Gunners legend Gilberto Silva believes Manchester United star Casemiro is the best defensive midfielder on the planet.
Silva was a force to reckon with in the middle of the park during his playing days, and he knows one or two things about what it takes to excel at the top of the game.
“I think Casemiro, he came to Manchester United and he’s doing great,” the former Arsenal star told the Daily Star when asked who he thinks is the best defensive midfielder playing today.
“He is still sharp and he knows how to handle that position, he plays hard and doesn’t give an easy time for the opponent.
“He is smart, he is always in the right positions, at the right moment and he makes it look simple.”
Silva was not in the mood to mince words and Arsenal fans will agree that Casemiro is top quality.
However, they would have been disappointed to see that the former Gunners captain named the Man United star ahead of Rice.
The soon-to-be Arsenal midfielder has been in excellent form in recent seasons, helping the Hammers win the Europa Conference League last term.
It can be argued that Rice is as good as Casemiro, and he could soon surpass the former Real Madrid star in terms of quality.
Truth be told, the Englishman has a lot to do if he is to match the achievements of the Brazilian midfield stalwart.
Casemiro won five Champions League titles and three La Liga titles with Madrid and he hit the ground running in the Premier League last term upon moving to Old Trafford, winning the League Cup in the process.
The 31-year-old has set a standard the likes of Rice will aim to reach and exceed, and Arsenal believe he has what it takes to help them land major silverware.