Transfers

Rio Ferdinand claims ‘spectacular’ Liverpool target was better than Luka Modric at the World Cup

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Rio Ferdinand has claimed reported Liverpool transfer target Enzo Fernandez was better than Luka Modric at the World Cup.

Speaking on the FIVE YouTube channel alongside Patrice Evra, the two former Manchester United defenders were asked to select their team of the tournament.

Having initially picked the Croatian star in the middle of the park, Ferdinand proceeded to go back on his decision.

Argentina v France: Final - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

“I’m going to take away Modric,” he said.

“I’m going to go with Enzo Fernandez from Argentina.

“He was solid the whole time and he’s 21!”

According to CM Jornal, the Reds have already made an offer to sign the Argentinian revelation. Whilst the bid is thought to be around £88m, it is believed Benfica have rejected the proposal.

Ferdinand says Fernandez was better than Modric

The 21-year-old certainly burst onto the international scene whilst out in Qatar.

Prior to the World Cup, Fernandez only had three national team appearances under his belt – and they all had come off the bench.

After another two cameos as a substitute in Argentina’s opening two group games, the midfielder subsequently earned a spot in the starting side.

Fernandez then continued to play a huge part in Lionel Scaloni’s XI, in which he played every minute in every game from the round of 16 onwards.

Even in the final against France, the youngster was incredible. Astonishingly, he led all players for touches (118), successful passes (77) and tackles (10).

Croatia v Morocco: 3rd Place - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Now, whilst Modric had a strong campaign for Croatia, he was nowhere near as dominant as Fernandez in the midfield.

This is a massive accomplishment for the Argentine, given the 37-year-old won the Ballon d’Or only four years ago.

There’s clearly a reason Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, labelled the Liverpool target as ‘spectacular’.