Speaking to the BBC, Gilberto Silva said: "My job when Brazil won the 2002 World Cup was to be invisible on the pitch — if I did it right, it made things easier for the players in front of me. It is the same situation now for Casemiro.
"He has a great responsibility in my old position. We have plenty of attackers to make the difference. I think we have the right balance. I am very happy with our back four and with the players in front of them who teach the side to be solid.
"This is where Casemiro's intelligence holds the key. You have to be smart to play as a holding midfielder for an attack-minded side, and you also have to be patient. It is not just about being the tough player, the one who tackles everyone.
"You have to read the game and understand where you should be, in the middle of everything. Your position is the most important thing. If you choose the right line on the pitch then, from there, you can see everything and spot any danger.
"For me with Brazil, that usually meant having a few attacking guys further forward and only the centre-backs behind me. If you watch Casemiro, that is where he is too. From there, you are the one controlling things."
Casemiro remains a key player for Brazil even though it took the 30-year-old a few months to break into the first team at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag.
The midfielder scored the only goal of the game in the 1–0 against Switzerland on Monday as Tite's side secured their place in the World Cup Round of 16.
