Ahead of the clash between Barcelona and Manchester United in the Europa League, winger Raphinha spoke to ESPN Brasil about the match.
Besides the many questions about the challenge Barça will have at the Camp Nou on Thursday, the player was also asked about a specific player from the Red Devils, which is Casemiro.
ESPN mentioned that the midfielder had great impact at Manchester United this season, seeming to sort their midfield problems, and with Raphinha previously playing in the Premier League, they wanted to hear his opinion about that.
The Barcelona star only had praises for his Brazil teammate, claiming he’d like to play with him at club level as well.
“Man, Casemiro is a player that I always talk about to my friends, my relatives, Casemiro is a player that I’d particularly like to have on my team,” Raphinha told ESPN Brasil.
“Because in addition to the experience he has in football, in 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 football, with the quality he has, and with the defensive part that for me, he’s one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.”
Raphinha was also asked about provocations between him and the Brazilian players from Manchester United, but claimed he doesn’t like doing that before games, saying he’s only set to speak to them after the match.
Casemiro and Fred should both be available for Erik ten Hag’s side on Thursday, but Antony has been left out of the trip due to an injury.
