Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has left Arsenal red-faced as they close in on a record-breaking deal for Declan Rice. The Brazilian outdid his English counterpart in a host of Premier League statistics last season.
Rice is set to finally complete his move to Arsenal. The Gunners are said to have agreed a fee with West Ham of £100million plus £5m in add-ons.
He will become the most expensive British player of all time, surpassing Jack Grealish. Rice will also be the record signing for Arsenal, smashing the £72m they spent on Nicolas Pepe in 2019.
Arsenal supporters are understandably ecstatic as they close in on the signing. However, a comparison with Casemiro could be something of a reality check.
There are lots of statistics that Casemiro was better than Rice at last season. Rice played more minutes than Casemiro, at 3272 compared to 2126.
He also played nine more matches, largely due to the Brazilian receiving three suspensions. But Casemiro still comes out on top in many aspects.
Casemiro attempted 89 tackles to Rice’s 79 and won 46 to Rice’s 38. He made 60 clearances, five more than Rice and 10 more headed clearances.
Casemiro is also better than Rice when it comes to aerial battles won. He won 56, 19 more than Rice’s tally of 37.
Casemiro also comes out on top in some attacking aspects. They both scored four goals last term, with Casemiro registering three assists to Rice’s two.
The Red Devils star played 12 through balls compared to Rice’s four. Casemiro also created seven big chances, with Rice just three.
Casemiro joined United from Real Madrid in a deal worth £70m last summer, substantially less than what Arsenal will pay for Rice. However, he was 30 at the time, which would have played an impact on what United were asked to pay.
He arrived in England having won five Champions Leagues during his time at Real Madrid and over a decade of playing for Brazil. Casemiro was very much the finished product when United signed him.
Rice is still only 24 and has more room for growth, despite already making over 200 Premier League appearances. Arsenal are not only paying for the player but also his potential.
However, there is still a long way to go for him to reach the level of Casemiro. United fans can point to the above statistics as evidence for that.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
