One player who has been linked with Liverpool is the latest star at the World Cup in Qatar.
The latest match in the Middle East saw Argentina face Mexico in their crucial group stage clash. Thanks to goals from Lionel Messi and substitute Enzo Fernandez, Argentina claimed a 2-0 win in Lusail.
Fernandez is one of many midfielders who have been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent months. The 21-year-old only signed for Benfica in the summer from River Plate, joining the Portuguese club for €18million (£15.5m) including add-ons.
READ MORE: Gary Neville was right about Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold and it raises awkward question
READ MORE: Liverpool's six-figure signing can't add to nine-goal scoring run as Carlo Ancelotti proven right
Thanks to his impressive start to life in Benfica, Fernandez has already been linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Liverpool are one of them, as are Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus.
Fernandez’s performances caught the eye so much that Benfica boss Roger Schmidt even had to address speculation over the player’s future. Back in September , the Benfica manager said he was not worried about the prospect of losing one of his latest signings so soon.
“No, I’m not afraid," he said. "He feels good here, it’s the perfect place to develop,” said Schmidt (via Record ).
“He’s a great player, a great person, he’s focused, professional and knows what he does when he comes here. Everything came together at the right time, I think he will be here for a long time, half a year is not enough.”
Reports have suggested that Fernandez has a release clause worth £105m in his contract at Benfica, should a club wish to sign the player just a few months after he moved to Portugal. And despite his young age, he is already drawing comparisons to one of Liverpool’s star names.
The ECHO spoke to Argentina football expert and podcast host Bruno González García to get the lowdown on one of the latest players linked with Liverpool.
When asked which player Fernandez could be compared to, Garcia said back in October : "Thiago Alcantara comes to mind because of the similarity of the times he tries long shots."
Garcia would go on to praise the ability of Fernandez, and explain why he is already well suited to Liverpool’s style of play.
"I think so,” said Garcia, when asked if Fernandez would be a good addition to Liverpool’s squad.
“Because he is a boy who in a few years of his career has already shown that he can adapt to different teams in different realities: Defense and Justice, River, Benfica, Argentina. There are four totally different realities and Enzo managed to stand out in each one.
"Liverpool have a coach who not only trains, but also teaches and educates, and that is fundamental for a youngster, even more so if that youngster is open to learning as in this case."
READ NEXT:
-
Jamie Carragher fires ruthless dig at Gary Neville over Lionel Messi comment
- Premier League 'rules' on Saudi Arabia interest in buying Liverpool or Manchester United
- Liverpool have been 'charmed' by World Cup star as club insiders 'chase transfer'
- 'I never thought I was going to be a Liverpool player' - brutally honest youngster explains exit and reality facing Academy hopefuls
- Julian Ward exit causes concern but real Liverpool mystery surrounds sporting director position
