Liverpool have reportedly been credited with interest in SL Benfica star David Tavares after impressing in the pre-Champions League final practice match.
According to Portuguese publication O Jogo, David Tavares is on the radar of Champions League winners Liverpool without having made his senior debut for SL Benfica. The youngster has reportedly gained an admirer in the Premier League giants after the practice match between Liverpool and Benfica B prior to the Champions League final.
David Tavares has been a bit of a journeyman, despite being just 20 and not having played senior football to date. Tavares has played at 3 different clubs before Benfica, with the most high-profile club among the three being league rivals Sporting CP.
The midfielder, in just 8 appearances in Liga Ledman Pro in 2018-19, has impressed and was tipped to make the senior team, if he had not suffered cruciate ligament rupture earlier in the season. But, the practice match against Liverpool was enough to grab the attention of both Benfica and his opponents on the day.
Tavares has an enviable presence in midfield, with the 20-year-old standing at 190 cm. But, it was his aggressiveness in pressing that left Jurgen Klopp and his men impressed while also giving them a better degree of difficulty, which made them more prepared for the Champions League final.
?| #LFC officials were impressed by Benfica youngster David Tavares in the Reds’ friendly against the B team in the build up to the Champions League final [O Jogo] pic.twitter.com/yxiddY6KNz
— The Kopite (@TheKopiteOFF) June 10, 2019
Liverpool have a stacked roster at the moment. But, the midfield could be a bone of contention. James Milner might be ageing like a fine wine. But, at 33, he needs an able replacement within the squad. Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and Fabinho are the other options at Klopp’s disposal.
So, even if Liverpool do end up moving for Tavares, the 20-year-old is unlikely to receive first-team playing time at Anfield. Benfica on the other hand, are reportedly set to include Tavares in the first-team plans in the 2019-20 campaign. The Portuguese giants are likely to lose their attacking sensation Joao Felix in the summer amid widespread interest.
Tavares has played as an attacking midfielder and could play further ahead on the shoulders of the primary striker and be infused into the first-team squad as a replacement for Joao Felix.
The best option for Tavares will be staying put at Benfica and grabbing the opportunities that come his way in the 2019-20 campaign. Liverpool on the other hand, might be a destination for the 20-year-old in the future, once he is an established name in European football.
