Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez earned praise from manager Roger Schmidt for his display last night, after claims that Liverpool want him.
The 21-year-old starred for Benfica as they beat Juventus 2-1 in Turin. And in quotes from O Jogo after the game, Schmidt singled out the reported Liverpool transfer target.
“Of course we won, but it wasn’t for one player. Enzo is a great player, complete, does everything with and without ball. He’s in the right place and we’re glad he’s here,” said the German coach.
Fernandez played 81 minutes as Benfica surprised the Italian giants on their own patch. The Argentine is showing himself to be an accomplished player on the highest level.
Liverpool keeping an eye on Fernandez
Performances like the one last night show why Liverpool are reportedly watching Fernandez ahead of a move next summer.
The youngster only joined Benfica recently, but is already showing why he’s so highly rated. The Portuguese club are already likely to be anticipating making a big profit on him.
To that end, Diario Uno have claimed that the youngster has a £102m release clause in his contract. Having signed him for an initial £9m just a few months ago, Fernandez could end up making Benfica a truck-load of cash.
That’s the business model though, and it generally works to great effect.
From a Liverpool point of view, it’s certainly worth making note of this kind of performance from Fernandez. They’re certain to be in the market for a number of midfielders next summer and the Argentine U18 international could fit the bill.
The Reds are notorious for being on top of goings on in the Portuguese market. Their dealings with Benfica for Darwin Nunez this summer have hopefully led to a good working relationship, too.
If Liverpool are serious about Fernandez, this could give them a slight upper-hand. If he keeps turning in impressive displays at this level, then they might need to use every advantage the can find.
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