West Ham captain Declan Rice should have been approached before Casemiro by Manchester United, according to Michael Dawson.
The Red Devils are close to agreeing a deal for the Real Madrid midfielder, closing a hole in their midfield that has been there for years. [BBC Sport]
However, during a discussion on Soccer on Saturday August 20, Dawson revealed why he thought the Manchester club should have made a move for the West Ham captain instead.
Dawson said: “Declan Rice must surely be a name in this.
“I know he’s English and we’ve seen him in Euros but I’m a huge fan of his.
“Casemiro is a good signing but I’m looking at Declan Rice and I think I’m going to pay for it, you’re Manchester United!
Rice or Casemiro?
The two starting midfielders are two of the best in the world at their positions and would both add undeniable quality to the middle of the park at Old Trafford.
Casemiro is far more destructive than Rice, with the Englishman much more accustomed to advancing the ball with his dribbling ability and passing range.
Last season, Rice completed more passes than the Brazilian enforcer, had a higher passing accuracy percentage and had more progressive passing than the 30-year-old. [FBRef]
On top of that, the 23-year-old also had 2.8 times more touches than Casemiro as well as 397 more progressive carries. [FBRef]
However, Casemiro had more tackles, interceptions and clearances than the England international and it was the Brazilian enforcer the Red Devils decided to sign. [FBRef]
Despite differing styles of controlling a midfielder and a seven-year age difference, they are similar players in terms of influence and quality and West Ham fans can breathe easy knowing they have been able to keep their captain again this summer.
In other West Ham news, the club are looking to complete a deal for Emerson Palmieri.
