According to latest reports, Ruben Neves the new kid on the block, is being tracked by Liverpool. But, the Reds have to compete with Chelsea, reports Liverpool Echo, who have also been an admirer of the 19-year-old Portuguese. Emerging from Porto’s youth system, Neves has accomplished many individual achievements, which include becoming the youngest player to captain a Champions League side, by helping Porto to a 2–0 win against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the group stage, and all that at the age of just 19. He surpassed the previous record of Rafael van der Vaart who went on to achieve great things himself.
Another notable record of Neves would be becoming the youngest player to achieve 50 games for the club, surpassing players like Fernando Gomes and Jaime Magalhães.
The fact that Jürgen Klopp had earlier tried to woo the young midfielder when he had just arrived in Liverpool, clearly indicates that the German sees Neves as another midfield machine that would run Klopp’s high line pressing game at top intensity.
Standing at 180 cm and a decent 72 kgs, Neves could be a perfect Premier League material. Learning from the likes of Henderson and Milner could further polish the leadership material in a potential footballing great.
Ruben Neves has been described as a defensive midfielder, who is not afraid to go forward and prompt attacks, showing great maturity combined with an accurate passing skill, great vision and an astute sense of positioning.
Ruben’s playing styles have also garnered accolades from many who compare him to Portuguese international João Moutinho for his fine first touch, similar desire to press his opponents and excellent distribution.
Though Neves hasn’t yet shown any such signs of weakness in his technique and play, his inexperience could well be a potent factor hindering his progress in a competitive league like Premier League, where few bad matches are enough to send him down to U-23 or out on loan.
Klopp isn’t afraid in trying to sign new players and Neves could be part of a long-term project if he indeed signs for the club. The midfield is one area where Liverpool will need strength and depth and have been liked with a plethora of players including Mahmoud Dahoud and Neves recently.
Klopp already signed Golden Boy nominee Marko Grujic in the winter transfer window and Neves could soon join the Serbian and form a young core that could soon rise to prominence in the future.
