In a recent interview with Mega Hits (via the Daily Mirror), Benfica right-back André Almeida shed some light on his dream to play in the Premier League and said, “I always had the dream of going to the Premier League.
“I really like Liverpool and Manchester United for their history.
“I also like Real Madrid and Barcelona, but I prefer the Premier League.
“I would not have the ability to play all the starting games.”
The Liga NOS defensive ace has been linked with a potential switch to Leicester City, Southampton, Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion recently but his dream is to play for either Jurgen Klopp or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (via the Daily Mirror).
Almeida’s Brilliant Career In Portuguese Football
The Lisboa-born talent joined Benfica from Belenenses SAD back in 2011 and has gone on to make 251 appearances for them across all fronts, scoring six goals while grabbing 35 assists. On the defensive end, he has averaged 1.8 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 2.1 clearances per game during his spell at the Estádio Sport Lisboa e Benfica so far (stats via whoscored).
Almeida has a wealth of experience in the Portuguese top-flight and knows what it takes to win trophies at the highest level. The 29-year-old is currently playing some of the best football of his career, so this could be his last opportunity to make a dream switch to England.
What Are The Portuguese Defender’s Best Attributes?
Almeida is a tireless worker and shows a lot of aggression and hunger on the field. He is a capable defender inside his own half and can be a difficult man to beat in a 1v1 situation. The Portuguese full-back has built a reputation for winning the ball back for his team and is also a dominant presence in the air.
Should The European Champions Make A Move For Almeida?
Liverpool are currently well-stocked in the right-back department with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez vying for a spot in Klopp’s first XI. Hence, the Reds should not be under any rush to sign Almeida as he will only be a sporadic option at Merseyside.
The Portuguese talent is highly versatile as he can operate in both full-back positions or as a defensive midfielder which makes him such a useful asset for Benfica. Maybe, Klopp should consider recruiting him if he intends to use him as a back-up to Andrew Roberton for the left-back spot or Fabinho at the centre of the park. Almeida’s versatility and experience make him an attractive proposition for the Reds as they try to end their long wait for a league title this season.
