Flamengo's Rising Star Draws Casemiro Parallels – And He's Got the Edge on Pace!

Picture this: you're at the pub, pint in hand, and someone drops that Flamengo's young gun Evertton Araújo plays a bit like Casemiro. Not just any someone, mind – Luiz Antonio, the chap who lifted the Copa do Brasil with the Rubro-Negro back in 2013. He's been singing the kid's praises, and you can see why after Araújo's blistering start to the 2026 campaign.

Luiz Antonio didn't hold back when chatting to ESPN. He reckons Araújo mirrors Casemiro's no-nonsense midfield style – that tenacity, the bite in tackles, the sheer presence that turns games. Sure, the Real Madrid legend edges it with his forward passes, assists, and the odd goal, but Luiz is adamant: "Those are skills Evertton can pick up with a bit of graft in training." The real kicker? Araújo's quicker on his feet, stronger in the challenge, and years younger. It's like comparing a vintage Ferrari to a souped-up hot hatch – both beasts, but the new one's got more zoom.

From Benchwarmer to Title Hero: Araújo's Meteoric Rise

It's not just talk from a nostalgic ex-pro. Since last season, coach Filipe Luís – yeah, the ex-Chelsea and Atlético full-back turned tactical maestro – has been blooding the midfielder properly. Araújo's lapped up the minutes, bulking up physically and sharpening his tactical nous. Filipe's been proper chuffed in pressers lately, calling out the lad's growth like a proud dad at sports day.

And the proof's in the silverware. Araújo was right in the thick of Flamengo's glory parade last term: Copa Libertadores triumph and the Brasileirão crown. Key moments, crucial interventions – he's not just making up the numbers. At his age, that's the sort of trajectory that has scouts scribbling notes and fans dreaming of Ballon d'Or whispers. Luiz Antonio's comparison isn't wild; Casemiro was a raw talent once too, before becoming Madrid's midfield anchor with five Champions Leagues and counting.

Flamengo fans know the drill: produce gems, ship 'em off for fortunes, rinse and repeat. But Araújo? He might stick around and build his own legacy. With that engine and aggression, he's tailor-made for the high-octane Brazilian game – or a European jaunt if the big boys come calling.

Recopa Showdown Looms: Araújo Key as Mengão Gear Up in Argentina

Timing couldn't be sweeter. With Araújo fit and firing, Flamengo jetted off to Argentina for the Recopa Sul-Americana first leg against Lanús. They're prepping hard – Filipe Luís ran the rule over the squad in their final session on Wednesday 18th, eyes locked on Thursday's 21:30 Brasília kick-off.

Lanús won't roll over; they're gritty at home, and this two-legged scrap is proper high stakes. Winner takes the continental bragging rights, and with Araújo patrolling midfield, Flamengo look primed to boss it. Imagine him shutting down counters, surging forward – Casemiro vibes all over, but with extra sauce.

As reported by OffsAIde at OneFootball, this buzz has Rubro-Negro nation buzzing. Araújo's not just a Casemiro clone; he's the next evolution, potentially. Keep an eye on him – if he bosses Lanús, the hype train's leaving the station at full pelt. Fancy a bet on him nicking a goal? I'd not say no at those odds.

Flamengo's midfield conundrum solved? For now, Araújo's ticking boxes like a pro. Sláinte to that – here's to more headlines from the kid who could be Brazil's next big thing.