One of Europe’s most exciting talents could be Anfield bound…
Liverpool have been linked with a swoop for 17-year-old Porto midfielder, Ruben Neves, according to reports in the Mirror.
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Here are five things Reds fans should know about him:
1) He is Porto’s youngest ever starter…
At 17 years old, Neves was drafted into Porto’s pre-season training squad after impressing at lower levels. He was rewarded with a start in the first game of the season against Maritimo, scoring a goal and picking up man of the match.
2) He has an incredibly bright future…
Neves is starting games for the biggest club in Portugal at his young age. Already, he’s made nine in the Portuguese top flight, and five in the Champions League, too. Only time will tell how good he can be at his peak with the right nurturing and development.
3) He could be a Steven Gerrard replacement…
With Steven Gerrard moving to LA Galaxy at the end of this season, that leaves a pretty large hole in Liverpool’s midfield which could be filled by the Portuguese holding midfielder over time, should a transfer occur.
On-loan Barcelona winger and team-mate Cristian Tello has even likened Neves to Sergio Busquets, outlining his superb pedigree.
“He is fantastic with the ball at his feet, he knows how to position himself and he’s aggressive. He’s similar to Sergio Busquets,” Tello claimed…
4) He has big game experience already…
Neves started both games in a difficult Champions League playoff against Ligue 1 side Lille earlier this campaign, and was arguably their best player in a comfortable 3-0 win over both legs. He’s also a regular in the Portugal Under-21 setup, and a senior call-up has been mooted already.
5) His game has many different attributes…
Neves plays in holding midfield for Porto and is seen as their best option because of his neat passing, ball retention, two-footedness and intelligent positioning.
Porto B manager, Luis Castro said, “Ruben Neves is incredibly talented from the mental point of view. He plays with an extraordinary calmness; he knows what each game situation calls for.”
So Reds, would you be pleased if the FC Porto wonderkid arrived?