NEIL JONES’ ADVICE FOR LFC’S FABINHO’S REPLACEMENT: “KEEP AN EYE ON HIM.”.

FLORENTINO LUIS: THE MIDFIELD DESTROYER CAPTIVATING LIVERPOOL.

Liverpool journalist Neil Jones had a lot to say about the potential changes in Liverpool’s midfield in today’s Media Matters podcast for Anfield Index. A surprising name emerged amid discussions of important players like Jordan Henderson and Fabinho: Florentino Luis of Benfica. In Portuguese football, the young defensive midfielder has been causing a stir and attracting the attention of both clubs and analysts.

A Rising Star: Florentine Luis.

Florentino Luis, who is 23 years old, has experienced a lot. His career graph is on the rise, with stops at Monaco and Getafe followed by a triumphant return to Benfica. Under the direction of coach Roger Schmidt, Lus has displayed outstanding “quality and commitment” this season. His outstanding performance in the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League third qualifying round victory over Midtjylland at home, 4–1, spoke volumes about his potential.

Before the Argentina World Cup champion left for Chelsea, Luis’ midfield partnership with Enzo Fernández helped Benfica to success. Florentino Lus is a force to be reckoned with. He boasts a 93 percent completion rate, a 90 percent duels-won rate, and the league’s best defensive statistics. He even helped David Neres score in Benfica’s 5-0 victory over Martimo at home, demonstrating his versatility on the field.

I still think Liverpool should move for Florentino Luis. Mentioned why the other day when putting together a list of players who might come in to replace Fabinho. https://t.co/Wm9ltiaUN6

— Sam McGuire (@SamMcGuire90) July 15, 2023

MORE THAN A DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER

Luis is a competitive and diligent athlete. His aggressive tackling, keen game reading, and ability to time his challenges set him apart, making him primarily useful as a defensive counterbalance. As a link player, his intelligence, dynamism, and knack for winning the ball enable him to link the team together.

In addition to his defensive prowess, Luis is a composed passer who has a strong understanding of how to link attack and defense. Before deciding to challenge for the ball, he carefully examines his opponents’ movements, displaying his analytical prowess on the field. His style of play has been compared to that of football greats like Claude Makélélé and N’Golo Kanté.

#MediaMatters: Fabinho & Henderson Special @DaveD0106 is joined by @neiljonesgoal to discuss the #Fabinho and #Henderson situation

🆓 Instant Free Play Podcast (No Signup Required): https://t.co/VEOP0gQHOV pic.twitter.com/DeSpVJZxUJ

— AnfieldIndex (@AnfieldIndex) July 15, 2023

Recognization and possible moves.

Former Benfica youth team manager Joao Tralhao praised Florentino Luis’ potential in February. He thought Luis had the talent to play for some of the top teams in Europe, like Liverpool. Tralhao commended Luis’s defensive prowess and ball-interception skills, saying that he “saw the game two seconds before everyone else.”.

Luis’s development over the past year has reportedly been monitored by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. There are hopes that Luis will be the next high-profile departure due to Benfica’s propensity for selling players for significant transfer fees. The 23-year-old’s staggering €120,000,000 (£106,000,000) release clause is in place.

Liverpool had been assessing longer-term candidates to replace Fabinho. Profile might shift as they'll require an immediate starter. Among the names mooted have been Sofyan Amrabat, Ryan Gravenberch, Kalvin Phillips and Romeo Lavia…

Moises Caicedo not on their list.

— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) July 15, 2023

The potential of the young midfielder is highlighted by Neil Jones’ analysis of Florentino Luis. Liverpool is becoming more and more interested in the Portuguese talent as the rumors spread. Only time will tell if Luis will continue to wear the well-known red shirt in the future. Regardless, his talent cannot be disputed, and the future looks incredibly promising for him.