Siddharth Juyal
Diogo Dalot praises Benfica star and Manchester United target Joao Neves for the qualities he showed with Portugal.
During the October international break, Manchester United fullback Diogo Dalot expressed his admiration for Benfica star Joao Neves. Neves received his first call-up to the senior team for the Euro qualifiers matches against Slovakia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Benfica midfielder is a transfer target for the Red Devils and he has attracted interest from many top clubs. The 19-year-old got his international debut after coming off the bench in the 85th minute against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Portugal won the away game 5-0 and continued their dominance in Group J after achieving EURO 2024 qualification against Slovakia.
Chelsea signed Enzo Fernandez in January of 2023 and that gave Neves the opening into the Benfica senior team. The 19-year-old impressed his coaches at the Benfica academy and managed to easily transition into the senior level.
Dalot spoke (h/t Manchester Evening News) about Neves as the young midfielder impressed his Portuguese teammates during the international break. He said:
“I’ve also been in his role [with the senior Portugal national team] and I believe there is always a nervousness. He has all the qualities to be here, he showed it for Benfica.”
The 19-year-old has made 31 appearances for the Portuguese giants, Benfica, and contributed with one goal and two assists. The new Portugal International’s main contribution comes with his defensive work and distribution of the ball from the midfield.
Neves is an all-round midfielder who has focused more on his defensive and team build-up side. Despite his relatively small frame, the Portuguese can hold his own against anyone due to his deceptive strength. The 19-year-old is capable of tackling on his feet or sliding while he constantly tries to read the opposition’s game.
Neves is very mature on the ball with his decision-making and communication with his teammates. The 19-year-old makes himself available to help his teammates in possession and has good control of the ball.
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The young defensive midfielder has shown his ability in attacking third with his composed passing and technique. There are many areas of his game that are still raw but with experience and good coaching, he will thrive.
Benfica, known for tough negotiations, has set a 100 million Euro release clause for the Portuguese international. The Red Devils have resorted to loan deals during the summer deadline day due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. We need to wait and see if United will be willing to invest in a young talent with tremendous potential, but we shouldn’t expect him to make an instant impact.
