Benfica left back Alejandro Grimaldo Garcia, commonly known as Alex Grimaldo, is a player in demand with both the Manchester clubs vying for his signature according to the reports in the media. Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho both are looking to add to their defensive ranks particularly in the position of the left fullback and the 21-year old Spain U-21 player is someone who has interested both the managers.
A product of Barcelona’s academy, the defender actually started his youth career at Valencia before switching to the Catalan giants in 2008, then aged just 13. He then progressed through the ranks and made his debut for Barcelona’s B team in September 2011, becoming the youngest ever player to feature in the Segunda Division at the age of 15 years and 349 days.
A very unfortunate knee injury in 2013 forced him to miss competitive football for nearly a year and on his return from the injury continued to play for Barcelona B compiling a total of 92 appearances for the club cashed in on him. Portuguese club Benfica snapped him up for a fee of €1.5m in the winter transfer window of last season and since then his form since has catapulted him back onto the wish list of various top European clubs and City are in pole position because he wants to play for Guardiola again.
The 21-year-old is very similar in stature to Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba, a mould that is recognised as the archetypal modern full-back whose main strength lies in his ability to attack. The 21-year-old has spent some time playing as a midfielder in the past, is comfortable in possession and knows how to pick out a pass. He is also an excellent crosser of the ball and is also handy from set-pieces.
Excellent with his passing, crossing, set piece deliveries and movement, the fullback shows a tremendous level of consistency in his gameplay as well which allows him to stand out amongst others. This season, he has already scored twice and provided another 2 assists for his club in the Portuguese league from his 8 appearances delivering top class performances consistently. In the Champions League, the young fullback was one of the most impressive performers for his side keeping up against high-quality opponents.
The thing which needs some improvement though is his ability in the air. Standing at 5ft 7 in, Grimaldo is one of the shortest players on the pitch but is a bit too poor in the air even for his height. Physically, a bit of bulking up is also required but in typical Spanish fashion, the fullback is not one who can be easily dispossessed.
Things, like leaving his position and getting exposed at the back at times, needs to be improved which will happen as he gets more experience and gets the guidance of a quality manager. Alex Grimaldo though is a player who is destined for stardom in the near future.
