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The best 30 players at the World Cup

By James Dudko

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the International friendly match match between Portugal and The Netherlands at Stade de Genève on March 26, 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the International friendly match match between Portugal and The Netherlands at Stade de Genève on March 26, 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /
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MOSCOW, RUSSIA – MARCH 23 : Casemiro of Brazil is seen during the international friendly match between Russia and Brazil at BSA OC “Luzhniki” Stadium in Moscow, Russia on March 23, 2018. (Photo by Sefa Karacan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – MARCH 23 : Casemiro of Brazil is seen during the international friendly match between Russia and Brazil at BSA OC “Luzhniki” Stadium in Moscow, Russia on March 23, 2018. (Photo by Sefa Karacan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /

17. Casemiro, midfielder, Brazil

As important as Silva will be, Brazil may end up owing their progress this summer to Casemiro. The combative Real Madrid ace is best equipped to perform a vital function to help balance a forward-thinking squad.

He’s the anchor who will both underpin midfield and act as a screen for the defense. The dual role has been Casemiro’s remit at Real in recent seasons.

Nobody performs these essential jobs as well as the combative 26-year-old. Los Blancos’ dominance of the Champions League can be traced to his emergence as the anchor who balances the team.

Casemiro can provide the freedom Coutinho needs to concentrate on creating chances. The extra layer of defensive resolve he offers will be more important for a nation undone by lapses at the back four years ago.

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