Former Real Madrid midfield linchpin Casemiro made a bold claim during an interview with Rio Ferdinand, revisiting his golden years at the Santiago Bernabéu. Reflecting on the legendary “BBC” trio, he offered an unexpected perspective: in his view, Gareth Bale was the most well-rounded player of that iconic squad.
While Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy at Real Madrid remains untouchable, Casemiro argued that Bale’s all-around game was superior. “Cristiano is the best in the world, he’s from another planet. But when it comes to completeness, Bale was number one,” Casemiro said. “He had incredible speed and power, could score goals, contribute defensively, head the ball brilliantly, and was outstanding from set pieces. He had virtually no weaknesses.”
Speaking about his former teammate Ronaldo, Casemiro was full of admiration. He noted that what made Ronaldo truly fearsome was his almost fanatical desire for victory and goals. “Even against a small club like Levante, Ronaldo treated the match with the same intensity, as if his life depended on scoring. His hunger for goals was unprecedented,” Casemiro explained.
When asked about the toughest opponent he ever faced, Casemiro immediately pointed to Lionel Messi from their Clásico battles. He stated that man-marking Messi was nearly impossible. “Messi could change the game in an instant. Often, Barcelona’s overall performance was average, but Messi would decide the outcome with just a few touches. That’s why Real Madrid always walked on eggshells against that old rival,” he added.
Casemiro also highlighted the natural chemistry he shared with Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos in the “Midfield of the Century.” He emphasized that their unspoken understanding was the key to dominating European football for years. That silent synergy provided Real Madrid with the most solid tactical foundation during their peak.
The remarks quickly sparked widespread discussion among fans. For Casemiro, the years alongside those world-class superstars remain the most treasured chapter of his career.
