Casemiro reflects on his time at Real Madrid, discussing key figures like Ronaldo, Bale, and Benzema. He shares insights on memorable moments and team dynamics during his career.
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Real Madrid legend Casemiro talks Ronaldo, Bale, Benzema, Modric, Kroos, Messi
Former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has reflected on some of the biggest moments and personalities from his legendary spell in Spain during a lengthy conversation on Rio Ferdinandâs channel.
The Brazilian midfielder, who is preparing to leave Manchester United at the end of the season, spoke openly about his years at Real Madrid, discussing everything from El Clasico battles to dressing room chemistry with some of footballâs greatest names.
Among the many topics covered, one particular answer immediately caught attention.
Despite sharing the pitch with players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Luka Modric, Casemiro surprisingly admitted that Gareth Bale was the most complete footballer he played alongside at Madrid.
Speaking about the Welshmanâs qualities alongside Benzemaâs role in attack, Casemiro said,
âBenzema was more of a number nine on the day. He dropped deep a lot, creating
Casemiro shared his thoughts on Ronaldo's impact at Real Madrid, highlighting his work ethic and contributions to the team's success.
Casemiro emphasized the strong chemistry he had with Modric and Kroos, which was crucial for the team's midfield dominance.
Casemiro reflected on intense El Clasico matches, noting the fierce rivalry and the thrill of competing against Barcelona.
Casemiro is preparing to leave Manchester United at the end of the season, although specific reasons for his departure were not detailed.

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âBale needed space. For me, he was the most complete player. Cristiano was all about goals, at least 15 goals. But Bale attacks, defends, is good in the air, scores goals, wins free-kicks.
âCristiano is the best, heâs in a league of his own. Letâs leave him out of the conversation.
âBut for me, Bale is the most complete player. Everything he does is very good, very fast, very strong.â
Casemiro has nothing but respect for Messi. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
Casemiro also spent time discussing Ronaldoâs mentality during his Real Madrid years, praising the Portuguese iconâs obsession with scoring regardless of the opponent.
Recalling Cristianoâs mentality inside the dressing room, he explained, âFor me, his ambition in every match. Itâs easy to have that against Barcelona, but I remember, for example, against Levante. He kills you.
âHe needs to score, he needs goals, goals, goals. His ambition is impressive. He gave me goals, trophies⊠itâs incredible.â
The Brazilian midfielder then turned his attention towards Lionel Messi and admitted Real Madrid often struggled to contain the Argentine superstar during Clasicos against Barcelona.
According to Casemiro, stopping Messi individually was simply impossible.
âIt was impossible to mark him on your own. You need help. It was impossible to stop him.
âWhen Barça werenât playing well, Messi would take charge and that was it, three points.
âI remember a Barça match against Sevilla. It was 0-0, there were 18 minutes left and he was on the bench. He came on and scored two goals. He won it single-handedly.â
Casemiro also gave insight into the relentless pressure that comes with playing for Real Madrid, describing the standards at the club as unmatched.
Speaking about expectations at the Santiago Bernabeu, the midfielder admitted,
âIn Madrid, if you win La Liga, they ask you whatâs happening with the Champions League. And if you win the Champions League, they ask you whatâs happening with La Liga.
Casemiro revealed the secret behind his partnership with Modric and Kroos. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images )
âIf we win both, then, letâs see what happens next season. Thatâs Real Madrid. They donât look back.â
The Brazilian also reflected warmly on his famous midfield partnership alongside Modric and Toni Kroos, explaining that their understanding came naturally over time.
âThe key was the connection between us. We didnât talk much, but we knew what the other liked.
âYou have to make sacrifices. If you make sacrifices, you get your chance to shine.â
Finally, when asked to name the best players from his generation, Casemiro placed Ronaldo and Messi in a category above everybody else while still reserving special praise for Neymar.
âFor me, from my generation, the best were Cristiano, Messi and Neymar.
âNeymar, perhaps a little lower down because he didnât win many titles, but he was⊠In training, in matches⊠every touch was âwowâ.
âBut Cristiano and Messi were from another planet,â he concluded.