Manchester United loaned-out midfielder Toby Collyer expressed his great admiration for Casemiro ahead of a potential return to Carrington.
The 22-year-old is an academy product of Brighton , who joined the Red Devils' youth ranks in 2022.
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The Englishman was gradually brought into the first-team fold during Erik ten Hag's reign at Carrington, earning a permanent promotion in the summer of 2024.
Collyer didn't see much playing time under the Dutch manager, but rose to prominence during Ruben Amorim's first few months in charge.
The young midfielder surprisingly overtook Casemiro in the pecking order between January and February 2025, before his momentum was interrupted by an injury.
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Nevertheless, the Worthing native reveals how the Brazilian legend never dropped his guard or sulked, even at his darkest hour, but continued to act as a mentor for him and other younger players.
"Casemiro was a big role model too, a player I looked up to," said Collyer in his interview with The Athletic journalist Andy Mitten. "These past four years, being around him, just watching him and seeing the little things he does. First into training, ultra professional.
"He's always observing. People say he's a warrior off the ball because he reads the game so well, but on the ball he's exceptional as well with that one-touch around-the-corner pass. He leads by example."
"When Ruben (Amorim) first came in, he wasn't having him one bit. I was playing over Caza. I was just focused on my football. I was still obviously speaking to Caza in training."
Casemiro then went on to enjoy a remarkable career revival under the Portuguese manager. Collyer certainly wasn't surprised by the Brazilian's exploits, revealing how his experienced teammate was already delivering on the training ground.
"He was still training very well, and I think he's a great example because people on the outside don't see that. When he's not playing, it's easy for people to think, 'Oh, he's probably not doing well in training'. But he wasn't. He was giving everything every day."
With Casemiro's departure at the end of the season already confirmed , Man Utd will be aiming to sign two competent midfielders to fill in the growing gap in the middle of the park.
Nevertheless, there should also be room for young players in the department, with the club seeking extra depth, especially following their return to the Champions League.
A report from The Athletic earlier this week named Collyer among the Man Utd loanees who could join the first team next season. The other candidates for the role are Harry Amass and Radek Vitek.
These players should be granted the opportunity to convince Michael Carrick (if he is confirmed as permanent manager) in pre-season and lock themselves a place in his plans.
This season, Collyer started his campaign on loan at West Bromwich Albion, but a mid-season injury saw him return to Carrington for rehab, before sealing another loan switch to Hull City.
The box-to-box midfielder hasn't always been a regular starter at either Championship club, but he has certainly accumulated important experience, which could come in handy next season.
