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Key Real Madrid player linked with Paris Saint-Germain

By Benjamin Barkworth

MALAGA, SPAIN - APRIL 15: Casemiro of Real Madrid controls the ball during the La Liga match between Malaga CF and Real Madrid CF at Estadio La Rosaleda on April 15, 2018 in Malaga, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
MALAGA, SPAIN - APRIL 15: Casemiro of Real Madrid controls the ball during the La Liga match between Malaga CF and Real Madrid CF at Estadio La Rosaleda on April 15, 2018 in Malaga, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) /
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Real Madrid defensive midfielder Casemiro is a summer target of Paris Saint-Germain.

Casemiro has been a key part of the Los Blancos starting XI since Zinedine Zidane became manager. His ball-winning ability complements well with his more technically gifted teammates Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. Although, he is more than competent in areas such as ball retention.

The Brazilian is wanted by the French superclub, Paris Saint-Germain in order to add balance to their side, according to AS.

PSG’s defensive midfielder Thiago Motta is retiring at the end of the season, so they need to bring in a replacement. This is an area they are light in which is why they opted to bring in free agent Lassana Diarra during the January transfer window.

The Parisians can get away with using other players less suited to the role such as Adrian Rabiot in the domestic competitions. However, they need a player who is a competent ball-winner as well as a pivot if they are to succeed in the Champions League. Without that, they run the risk of having no cohesive shape which limits them as a team.

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Is he likely to move?

As an individual move, it’s unlikely to happen, especially with Zidane in charge. However, it could potentially happen as part of a Neymar move to Real Madrid if that does materialise. Such a move would have an impact on the transfer market, so acquiring players as part of the deal would help nullify the negative effects.

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He performs a key role in the team, but whether he will be appreciated once Zidane leaves is another question. The French manager has to win the Champions League to carry on at the club; it is the only competition they can possibly win this season.

Having a trophy-less season with the squad available would be a major embarrassment for Los Blancos. The only reason they would just be happy with the Champions League is because of the club’s obsession with the premier European competition.

PSG are unlikely to be able to bring Casemiro in this summer, regardless of the circumstances. Therefore, their dire need for a player in that role means they are likely to move for other targets. This means that this move is unlikely to happen altogether. Real should prioritise keeping hold of him because he fits the defensive midfield role in their team perfectly.

Under Zidane, Real play an extremely open style which often leaves their attacking shape in a 2-3-5 formation. Casemiro ensures there is a defensive screen in front of the two centre backs, thereby reducing the effectiveness of counter-attacks through the centre. His physicality, speed and defensive work rate allows him to make up for his positional shortcomings.

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