According to O Jogo, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was impressed by Benfica youngster David Tavares’ performance during a friendly against Benfica B ahead of their Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur.
The friendly was used as preparation for the UCL final, with Klopp choosing Benfica B because of their similarities with Tottenham Hotspur’s style of play. But the German mastermind was awed by a certain Tavares who is yet to be promoted to the Benfica senior side thus far.
Tavares’ is one of Benfica’s up and coming talents
Benfica have had a surge of young up and coming footballers looking to make their mark in the first-team in recent years. The likes of Joao Felix and Gedson Fernandes have already made a strong impact. And Tavares, it seems, could be the next one to impress amid speculations linking Felix with a move away from the club.
Tavares, thus, being an attacking midfielder, may have the opportunity to replace Felix next season, should he leave Benfica this summer. However, as iterated earlier, the 20-year-old is yet to be promoted to the senior side.
But, this is primarily due to an ACL injury he suffered at the start of the 2018/19 campaign, which kept him out for almost nine months. As a result, Tavares’ overall game-time in the Ledman Pro Liga was restricted to just 450 minutes. It also played a crucial role in delaying his inevitable promotion to the senior side.
What can Tavares offer to the table?
Tavares is mainly a central attacking midfielder, who can operate in the wider-attacking roles. Unlike many other attackers, however, the 20-year-old is blessed with physical prowess that allows him to ride challenges from defenders and keep hold of the ball even under tight pressure.
The Portuguese whizkid also has incredible control on the ball and his decision making in the final third is excellent. But, what makes him such a sought-after talent in his native Portugal is his ability to create chances for his team in the final third.
Should Liverpool make a move for Tavares?
It is unlikely Liverpool are going to make a move for Tavares given his lack of experience in top-flight football. Instead, they will steadily monitor his progress at Benfica, who, in turn, have been quite extraordinary in nurturing young talents in recent years.
Furthermore, the youngster is almost guaranteed to play a role in Benfica’s senior side this season, which will not only enhance his experience in the highest level of football but will offer him the opportunity to showcase his talents in one of Europe’s top seven leagues. Hence, it will be interesting to see how the 20-year-old develops from here on in.
