The box-to-box midfielder has reportedly attracted strong interest from clubs across Europe but is he worth the fees being touted around? Goal takes a closer look
Talented box-to-box midfielders come with a premium price-tag on the European transfer market, with Champions League's elite clubs continually on the look-out for the additions that could aid them in making crucial steps towards European glory.
So when an 18-year-old is holding down an integral role in the first-team of one of the continent's most historic clubs, scouts begin to take notice, as has been the case with Benfica's young star Renato Sanches. The midfielder has attracted headlines in his native Portugal and England, with reports linking the Lisbon-born player with a lavish £46 million move to the Premier League.
With that in mind, Goal took a closer look at the midfielder during the club's 2-1 victory over Zenit St Petersburg in the second leg of the Champions League's last 16.
HOW DID HE PERFORM AGAINST ZENIT?
Sanches has carved out a place in Benfica's starting line-up due to continuous energy matched with technical skill. But, throughout most of the match with Zenit, the 18-year-old struggled to really impose himself on the contest. His vivacity and determination to lead the pressing of the Russian side's defensive line was evident throughout, though it was not matched by any major contributions going forward.
In a tight contest that failed to spark into any real life until the later stages, perhaps Sanches can be forgiven for failing to leave an indelible mark. Until Hulk's second-half goal for Zenit, Benfica's clear plan was to attempt to squeeze a 0-0 out of the tie, restricting the 18-year-old's cavalier instincts for much of the contest. There was one flash of what this gem of a player is all about, as he drove through Zenit's defensive line early in the match and unleashed a thunderous effort just wide of goal.
This was a player with talent belying the role he had been asked to fulfil. As has been evident since he was introduced to the starting line-up in late 2015, Sanches is a wonderfully diverse player, capable of carrying out a number of different midfield roles. Wednesday's was unglamorous but necessary.
WHERE DID HE PLAY?
Part of Sanches' appeal to the biggest clubs around Europe is his adeptness at playing as a traditional central midfielder. He is comfortable launching himself into attacking areas, carrying the ball out from defence or hassling opponents when Benfica lose possession.
Against Zenit the young Portuguese was against cast in the heart of the action, used more as a defensive shield in Benfica's conservative plan rather than an attacking threat. The midfielder's diversity may be both his strongest asset and the biggest challenge to any potential coaches. Lacking the delicacy of a natural No. 10 but far too talented to be a regular defensive shield, Sanches needs to play in a side that allows for a breaking of the lines between midfield and attack.
During Wednesday's clash, the 18-year-old played to the plan set out by Benfica's coaching staff, but there is a lot more to this midfield dynamo.
IS HE WORTH A REPORTED £46 MILLION?
At just 18 and months into his breakthrough season, it may be too early to completely judge Sanches. In the pressurised environment of the European transfer market, however, clubs may have to act quickly and spend heavily in order to ensure that the Portuguese midfielder does not sign for a rival.
The huge price-tags touted in the Portuguese and English press reflect the potential of Sanches as an investment, rather than the guarantee of immediate first-team success. The Benfica star looks to have all the attributes needed to succeed at the highest level.
But with his fledgling career really yet to get going, the 18-year-old may be wise to extend his stay in Lisbon, continuing his development in the Benfica first-team, rather than sitting on the sidelines at one of Europe's truly elite clubs.
- Goal