Casemiro’s performance against Japan was a microcosm of his past three seasons at club level.A forgettable first half exposed the 34-year-old’s decreasing mobility on the biggest stage, after being repeatedly overrun by Japan’s energy when they burst through midfield. There were calls for his substitution at half-time, but an injury to Lucas Paqueta meant that Carlo Ancelotti had to shuffle his pack differently.Electing to keep his No 5 on the field, the Brazil head coach made a subtle tactical tweak that saw Endrick enter the action and brought Matheus Cunha further to the left flank — which unlocked the attacking prowess of Vinicius Junior.However, it was none of Brazil’s gifted attackers who kickstarted the comeback with a goal at the NRG Stadium in Houston.It was Casemiro.From derision to delight in a single afternoon, Casemiro continues to defy the suggestions that he can no longer operate at the highest level.His trophy-laden career shows that he has nothing left to prove, but there cannot be any room for sentiment when considering how unforgiving knockout international football is.A knack for scoring goals is welcome, but his primary remit is to hold down the midfield. Think of it like a mechanic breaking your car but then whipping up a fantastic carbonara — great, but not really what he is there for.With Brazil’s upcoming clash with Norway providing another physical challenge in the blistering New Jersey heat, is Casemiro a help or hindrance to his team?Such was the drop-off in form that Casemiro experienced at Manchester United, that he was omitted from Brazil’s Copa America squad in 2024 under previous coach Dorival Junior. It was only upon Ancelotti’s appointment as manager in 2025 that the midfielder was brought back into the fold after a year out.You can understand why. Give Casemiro time and space in possession, and he can anchor the midfield with the same ease that saw him help Real Madrid to five Champions League victories — two under Ancelotti.Sitting in front of the centre-back partnership of Gabriel and Marquinhos, he remains a crucial part of his side’s build-up. As shown in his player dashboard against Japan below, his actions are littered with circulated passes left and right — with defensive actions scattered in his own half to protect Brazil’s penalty area.The issue surrounding Casemiro has been centred on his effectiveness off the ball.No one loves a tackle more than the Brazil international, with his 13 “true tackles” attempted — which includes tackles, fouls committed and challenges lost — per 1,000 opponent touches being more than any other central midfielder in the Premier League last season.It shows how much he loves to stick a foot in, but his propensity to go to ground so often means those challenges do not always come off. The warning sign against Japan came when Casemiro picked up a yellow card in the 14th minute for a clumsy foul on the edge of the area.