Lisbon born central midfielder Renato Sanches has drawn wide praises for his performances. The 18-year-old Portuguese prodigy was drafted in the first team by Rui Vitoria, the Benfica coach, after dismal performances by the Brazilian Anderson Talisca.
Talisca’s form had badly dipped along with his teammates and Benfica’s season was in shambles around October. In a country where there are basically three teams that matter, the reigning champions had been badly beaten three times in succession by arch-rivals Sporting. Porto had also got the better of them and they were out of the Portuguese Cup. Add to that, they were lagging eight points behind top spot.
The manager Rui Vitoria was under pressure and he played a big gamble by getting the young Renato Sanches is the squad. Since then, neither Renato nor Benfica have looked back and now, they are about to wrap up the title, after a stellar display in the UEFA Champions League.
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Renato Sanches has been the key man for Benfica’s resurgence. And his performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with top European teams vying for his signature. Among them, Manchester United’s name is being touted as the most interested.
The connection of Renato Sanches with Jorge Mendes and probably the new United manager Jose Mourinho has burgeoned the thought of the Portuguese midfielder’s move to Old Trafford. Renato’s rapid rise at such a young age is nothing short of a wonderful dream, and this has catapulted him into Portugal's national team that is going to compete for the Euros in France.
Style of play
For someone so raw and untested, he plays with a perplexing swagger and confidence beyond his age. He is keen to get on the ball, shouts at teammates more experienced than him, demands the ball and drives his team forward. He can play as a holding midfielder and also as an attacking one. In all, he displays qualities that you would expect from a seasoned veteran.
The dynamic Sanches plays a bit like former Benfica favourite Enzo Perez. The Argentine was sold to Valencia for €25m one year ago, and only now do Benfica fans believe he has been properly replaced. The unfettered confidence of Sanches was evident from the very start and he is already known for thunderous strikes from outside the box.
The lad does pack a punch, which is evident from the goal he scored vs Academica, which made him Benfica's youngest player to score a home goal in the 21st century. It was also selected as the Goal of the Month.
Strengths
He has incredible energy that makes him go on and on, even at the fag end of the games. He keeps on running at the opposition and when he does get the ball, the youngster tries to pass it quickly and move, a bit like Frank Lampard of the past decade.
A thunderous shot is one of the standout assets in his locker, as mentioned earlier. He also possesses a knack that may hold him in good stead in tougher leagues of England and Spain. His strength on the ball, despite his small stature (5ft 8in), is combined with impressive footwork and an ability to maneuver himself out of tight spaces.
Sanches possesses an impressive physique, quite uncommon for an 18-year-old youngster. Sanches is not afraid to put himself about and has good tackling ability. Once in control of the ball, he is extremely difficult to dispossess.
Weaknesses
His strength has also accentuated one of his weaknesses. Being too quick to the ball and his need to pass it, has often led him to lose possession. This is quite normal for a youngster filled with unbridled energy but for a central midfielder being showcased to top European clubs for €45-50 million, it is quite a big weakness.
Yet, we can overlook that as he has many years to learn and improve his football. Another of his weaknesses is something common amongst Portuguese players. He often tries to dribble his way forward and out of trouble. His impulsiveness and uninhibited desire have often led him into a rash tackle, ending up in referee’s books.
What happens next
Benfica’s fans would feel quite hard done by if they lose Renato this soon. They love the youngster and undoubtedly want him to grace the Estadio da Luz for years to come. But as is the case with Portuguese clubs, it is more of a matter of when and not if, they will sell their players. Renato would be sold to a major European club soon but the bickering point is the fee.
The Red Devils are in advanced talks with Benfica over the signing of 18-year-old midfielder Sanches and United officials met with the Portuguese club’s president in London to negotiate a deal. The money that Manchester United are willing to spend around £46 million (around €60 million).
However, Benfica want something close to his release clause of £60 million (€80 million). Even though the Old Trafford based club has shown its desire to sign top young players for huge fees, it could still be a huge gamble to spend this much on a youngster who has had a good season in a league that is considered inferior.
The bottom line
Renato Sanches is the top quality box-to-box midfielder that United fans have craved for years. He, along with Morgan Schneiderlin, could create an important central structure to the team, an important characteristic of Jose Mourinho’s teams.
With one Jorge Mendes client (Mourinho) touted to arrive at Old Trafford soon, don’t be surprised if another Portuguese is christened at the Theatre of Dreams. Yes, the fee seems big but given how Anthony Martial has performed so far, is anyone questioning his fee now?
United should try to inflate the fee with various variables like they did in the Martial deal, and if Renato fulfils his potential, The Red Devils would be quite happy to pay off the remaining dues.
