Casemiro, 26, remains one of the unheralded heroes of the current Los Blancos side, who are in contention for their third successive UEFA Champions League title.
Not the typical Brazilian known for flair and flamboyancy, the defensive midfielder epitomises efficiency and discipline.
In his anchoring role in front of the Real back-four, the Brazil international allows the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Isco play with creative freedom while also shoring up the defence as attacking wing-backs Marcelo and Dani Carvajal venture forward.
"When I debuted with the first-team he called me," he told reporters, as quoted by Marca.
"And said: 'I know how you play, that you are aggressive. With the engine you have, you play hard at first, and then you play easy, the Bernabeu wants that from you. I know you, you are good, and you are going to be the best central midfielder in the world'.
"He gave me this confidence, I left the dressing room believing that I was Cristiano Ronaldo. With the energy that he gave me, I was left believing that he was the best in the world."