'Keep an eye on him', Neil Jones on LFC's Fabinho Replacement

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'Keep an eye on him', Neil Jones on LFC's Fabinho Replacement

'Keep an eye on him', Neil Jones on LFC's Fabinho Replacement

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Florentino Luís: The Midfield Destroyer Attracting Liverpool’s Attention

In today’s Media Matters podcast for Anfield Index, Liverpool journalist Neil Jones had quite a lot to share about the potential movements in Liverpool’s midfield. Amidst discussions on key figures like Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, an unexpected name popped up – Florentino Luís of Benfica. The young defensive midfielder has been making waves in Portuguese football, catching the eye of pundits and clubs alike.

A Star on the Rise: Florentino Luís

Aged 23, Florentino Luís has had quite a journey. From his stints at Monaco and Getafe to his triumphant return to Benfica, his career graph is on an upward trajectory. In the current season under the guidance of coach Roger Schmidt, Luís has showcased impressive “quality and commitment”. His exceptional performance in the 4–1 home win over Midtjylland in the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League third qualifying round spoke volumes about his potential.

Luís’ partnership with Enzo Fernández in the midfield yielded positive results for Benfica before the Argentina World Cup winner departed to Chelsea. Sporting a 93% passing rate, winning 90% of his duels, and topping the Primeira Liga’s defensive stats, Florentino Luís is a force to be reckoned with. He even assisted a goal for David Neres in Benfica’s 5–0 home win over Marítimo, a testament to his versatility on the field.

More Than Just a Defensive Midfielder

Luís is a combative and hard-working player. Primarily serving as a defensive foil, his aggressive tackling, ability to read the game, and timing his challenges set him apart. His intelligence, energy, and ball-winning ability help him connect the team as a link player.

In addition to his defensive prowess, Luís is a composed passer with an excellent understanding of how to link attack and defence. He meticulously studies his opponents’ moves before deciding to challenge for the ball, showcasing his analytical skills on the field. His playing style has drawn comparisons to football legends like Claude Makélélé and N’Golo Kanté.

Recognition and Potential Moves

Back in February, former Benfica youth team manager Joao Tralhao hailed Florentino Luís’ potential. He believed Luís has the talent to play for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Liverpool. Tralhao praised his defensive qualities and ability to intercept the ball, saying that Luís “saw the game two seconds before everyone else”.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had reportedly been tracking Luís’ progress over the last year. With Benfica’s habit of selling players for large transfer fees, there are expectations that Luís could be the next big-ticket departure. The 23-year-old’s release clause stands at a staggering €120million (£106m).

Neil Jones’ discussion on Florentino Luís sheds light on the young midfielder’s potential. As the rumours continue to circulate, Liverpool’s interest in the Portuguese talent is only growing. Whether Luís will be donning the famous red shirt in the future is a question only time can answer. Regardless, his talent is undeniable, and his future seems incredibly bright.

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