Does iconic midfielder Casemiro deserve a DP contract from Inter Miami?

Rumored Herons target Casemiro subbed off against Morocco

Casemiro -- widely reported to be Inter Miami's top priority in the upcoming summer transfer market -- was subbed off at halftime of Brazil's 1-1 tie in the Seleção's first World Cup group stage match against Morocco. It wasn't tactical.

The iconic defensive midfielder struggled to keep up with Morocco's pace and tempo, found himself out of position, and walked back on defense during at least one Atlas Lions' counterattack.

The media -- and the Seleção's fans -- took notice.

Goal rated Casemiro's performance "4" of a possible 10, commenting that the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star: “Had a real nightmare in midfield. Never kept up with the pace of the game, booked before half time, and hooked at the break.”

Sofascore rated Casemiro 6.5 of 10.

Amanda Langell, writing for Sports Illustrated shared FotMob's 6.4 rating of Casemiro, but added that he "Struggled to get any type of grasp on the game. Failed to provide the stabilization Brazil needed in the middle of the park. Still, harshly pulled at halftime."

The Sporting News' Kyle Bonn gave the veteran standout a cynical "5," while explaining that Casemiro "Consistently got himself involved in the defensive action, winning the ball back and drawing fouls ad nauseum. However, his high risk, high reward style gave Morocco a number of chances, and his lack of pace was a problem when Morocco got out on the counter."

You get the idea. Casemiro didn't play well against a young Morocco team's intensity.

It was only one match, and the Atlas Lions ARE the No. 7 squad in the most recent FIFA World Cup rankings. And Casemiro showed over his last club season at Manchester United that he still can perform at a high level. And -- oh, by the way -- Major League Soccer won't present the same challenges as a top international team.

Still, Inter Miami is vulnerable to counter-attacking teams with pace; think Vancouver, think Cincinnati, think LAFC. Interim coach Guillermo Hoyos has mitigated that weakness somewhat by dropping Telasco Segovia back to help Yannick Bright in the defensive midfield, allowing Rodrigo De Paul to push up into the attack. Casemiro would undoubtedly attract more fans and sell more jerseys; like potential teammates Leo Messi, Luis Suárez and De Paul, Casemiro is a global star.

But at this point in his career, would Casemiro improve the Herons' midfield? I'm not sure it would, and I'm not sure I want Miami to jump through roster and financial hoops to find out. I like Bright, De Paul, and Segovia.

Is Casemiro worth the trouble? I hope so.

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