Martin Keown was full of praise for Casemiro after the Manchester United midfielder’s impressive performance against Chelsea.
Casemiro salvaged a point for United with an excellent late header, while his overall performance was of a very high standard.
Keown described Casemiro as ‘absolute class’ and added that he feels United have been missing a player of his ilk for some time.
Speaking on BBC Match of the Day, Keown said: ‘Absolute class. I think he’s a player they’ve been missing for years. Conducts everything in that midfield. The real defensive brain of the team, and he can pass as well.
‘He’s never ruffled. He sniffs out danger. He senses things really well, he anticipates. If you give it to him in a tricky situation he can find a pass. You see people doing that in front of you, it’s brilliant. His positioning is first class.
‘He’s always in the right place for his team. When they need him most he comes to the fore, takes responsibility, That is a wonderful header, his first goal for United. Look what it means to him.’
Casemiro had to wait to establish himself in the United team after joining the club but he has now started the last six games in succession.
Ten Hag is pleased with the way in which the Brazil international has adapted to the demands of the Premier League.
Ten Hag said: ‘That is why we brought him in. We know he is capable to do that, he proved it in Spain, he proved it in the Champions League, so the highest level.
‘So he could also do it in the Premier League. But it’s clear the Premier League is a different league, especially with the intensity, so he needed a short period to adapt to that.
‘And now from game to game you see him growing, and how important it is for our game. He brings the composure, he brings the organisation and he even scores a goal and then you bring a lot to the team.’
After a late penalty from Jorginho it looked like United were going to suffer defeat against Chelsea.
However, Casemiro intervened with a fantastic looping header to ensure that ten Hag’s side got a point at Stamford Bridge.
United are in fifth place in the Premier League having taken 20 points from eleven games so far