In a recent report, Portuguese news outlet O Jogo has mentioned that Liverpool are among several clubs hoping to sign Sporting CP defender Nuno Mendes this summer. However, the Reds are currently trailing Arsenal and AC Milan in the race to acquire the Portuguese youngster’s services in this off-season (via O Jogo).
Mendes’ Sensational Rise In Portuguese Football
The talented left-back joined Sporting CP at an early age before going on to fight his way up their youth levels in recent years. Mendes made his senior debut for the Portuguese club at the age of 17 as he put in a nice cameo as a substitute in a 1-0 victory over Pacos Ferreira last season.
The five-time Portuguese U-19 international participated in nine top-flight matches for his current employers in the previous campaign, receiving 657 minutes of game time in the process. He showed a lot of promising signs over the past 12 months and did well to average 2.4 tackles, 2.3 interceptions, 1.6 clearances, 0.6 shots, 1.3 key passes and 2.0 dribbles per game in the Liga NOS (stats via whoscored).
Mendes gave a good account of himself while playing for Sporting’s Under-23 team as he scored one goal and provided three assists in the Liga Revelacao. He has the potential to become a future star in European football, so Liverpool will do well to lure him to Anfield during the summer transfer period.
What Are The Portuguese Starlet’s Best Attributes?
Mendes is blessed with electric pace, which helps him make some dangerous runs with the ball on the left-wing. He is always willing to take on his marker but needs to add some end-product to his game if he wants to become a regular feature at the senior level. The Portuguese starlet has proven himself to be a capable defender at the back. However, he still has a long way to go before he is ready to be thrown into the deep waters of Premier League football.
Is Mendes A Prospect For The Future?
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has currently got a squad full of promising youngsters with the likes of Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, Rhian Brewster and Neco Williams all on the brink of first-team football. Therefore, it is unlikely that the Merseyside club can accommodate an inexperienced player like Mendes in their squad.
However, if the Reds can find a way to win the race for Mendes’ signature this summer, then he will improve the club’s youth ranks significantly for the coming seasons. Klopp could be the ideal man to oversee the Portuguese prospect’s development as he has a proven track record of nurturing a lot of talented youngsters and transforming them into first-team regulars such as in the cases of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez in recent years. All in all, Mendes will undeniably be a prospect to look out for in the future as he possesses all the skillset required to become a top player in his position someday.
