According to a report from Express, it has been suggested that Manchester City have taken the lead over Manchester United in the pursuit of Benfica’s emerging talent, Joao Neves. While United were initially considered frontrunners in the race, even ahead of Chelsea as early as January, their arch-rivals now appear to be on the verge of dealing a setback in the transfer market.
Neves’ Impressive Rise At Benfica
Neves joined Benfica’s youth academy at the age of 12 and has progressed through the ranks, winning numerous trophies along the way. In the 2021/22 season, he was part of the Benfica team that won the UEFA Youth League, the first time a Portuguese club had won the competition. Last season, he enjoyed a decent break out campaign where he proved his worth in the middle of the park establishing himself in the starting line up for the current season.
The 19-year-old has made 10 appearances for the Portuguese outfit across all competitions, registering one assist in the process. He is averaging 0.8 shots, 0.6 key passes, 0.5 dribbles, 1.5 tackles, 0.5 interceptions and 0.9 clearances per game in Liga Portugal. He has also been accurate while distributing the ball to him teammates after completing 91.6% of his attempted passes in the Portuguese top flight (stats via whoscored).
Good Decision From Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola In Actively Pursuing The Youngster’s Signature?
Neves’ rise to prominence has been impressive, and he is now considered to be one of the best young midfielders in Europe. He is a complete midfielder who has all the attributes to succeed at the highest level. Neves is also a product of Benfica’s youth academy, which is known for producing world-class players.
Joao Neves stands out as an immensely talented midfielder with a diverse skill set that encompasses intelligence, precise passing abilities, and a commendable work ethic. His unwavering dedication to improvement is a hallmark of his character, making him a perpetual learner of the game.
Neves further enhances his value as a versatile midfielder, capable of excelling in multiple positions, rendering him an invaluable asset for any team including Man City. His early exposure to first-team football has facilitated his development and enabled him to develop insights from seasoned professionals.
At the tender age of 19, Joao Neves has already accomplished remarkable feats in his career. He has become an integral figure for both Benfica and the Portuguese national team, indicating his potential to ascend to the ranks of the world’s finest midfielders. The future appears exceedingly promising for Neves, and Pep Guardiola’s recognition of his potential makes his acquisition a highly desirable prospect for the Etihad club. Securing his services should be a priority for the Sky Blues in the January transfer window.
