How do Casemiro's defensive stats compare to others?
Manchester United's defensive midfielder Casemiro has been heavily scrutinised in recent weeks for mishaps, slow pace and overall lacklustre performances.
But is the Brazilian getting a hard time, or is the criticism valid?
According to Opta, the 32-year-old has been dribbled past 52 times (so far this season) by an opponent in the Premier League. That is still 17 less times than Brentford midfielder Mathias Jensen, who has recorded the most.
It is also less than top-flight stars Alexis Mac Allister, with the second highest at 62, and United captain Bruno Fernandes who rounds off the top three with 57.
He has also been beaten less than Trent Alexander-Arnold and Tottenham's Pedro Porro.
Here is the full breakdown of the top-ten:
Mathias Jensen (Brentford) - Dribbled past 69 times in 30 Premier League starts
Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) - Dribbled past 62 times in 31 Premier League starts
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) - Dribbled past 57 times in 33 Premier League starts
Antonee Robinson (Fulham) - Dribbled past 56 times in 35 Premier League starts
Pedro Porro (Tottenham) - Dribbled past 54 times in 32 Premier League starts
Christian Norgaard (Brentford) - Dribbled past 53 times in 29 Premier League starts
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) - Dribbled past 53 times in 26 Premier League starts
Joao Gomes (Wolves) - Dribbled past 53 times in 32 Premier League starts
Casemiro (Manchester United) - Dribbled past 52 times in 22 Premier League starts
Joao Palhinha (Fulham) - Dribbled past 47 times in 31 Premier League starts
One important thing to note, however, is appearances.
Excluding Casemiro, Alexander-Arnold and Christian Norgaard, they have all made over 30 Premier League starts this season. Casemiro has made the least with 22 to date and Alexander-Arnold and Norgaard have made 26 and 29 respectively.
Therefore it highlights the difficult season the five-time Champions League winner has had under Erik ten Hag compared to last season's strong debut campaign.
