Transfer Story
Besiktas loanee, Anderson Talisca created quite a stir off late as the eccentric midfielder professed his love to play for Manchester United as well as their boss Jose Mourinho in a press conference. The revelation came as quite a shock for many and now latest reports seem to suggest that Jose Mourinho is looking to lure the youngster to Old Trafford this summer.
The SL Benfica player is contract-bound with the Liga NOS Champions till 2019 and is currently on a two-year (2016-18) loan deal with the Turkish Club, Besiktas, who have the exclusive option to buy the talisman at the end of the loan period.
However, the player’s open profession of unbound love for the Special One and the Premier League has got his club officials and agent thinking twice on the player’s future.
Manchester United are said to be readying a bid of £15m for the Brazilian International and hopes that it would be enough to cut a deal.
Without any further delay let us look at the statistics of the individual and discuss his prospect with the Red Devils.
Player Stats
The player has featured 32 times in all competitions with the Turkish club this past season amassing a remarkable total of 16 goals and 6 assists for the club.
Playing as an attacking midfielder, the Brazilian could put to shame many talented strikers with such stats.
The 23-year-old also was impressive in both Europa and Champions League and was hailed by many football pundits as a footballer with top potential.
The talisman has an impressive pass success rate of 78.2% and has made a total of 38 key passes for his team. Unselfish and creative, the player has the vision and skill to create chances up front, certainly a quality to be appreciated.
Areas, where the Brazilian needs to improve upon, are his poor discipline and lack of defensive awareness, both qualities that are intrinsic if he wants to become a Mourinho player.
(Stats via WhoScored)
What’ll he offer the club?
Mourinho has bemoaned the lack of quality in finishing upfront which has plagued the Red Devils with the whole of last season and with Talisca he might be able to get the added quality and creativity in finishing off those missed chances.
Also with stupendous fixtures of domestic and European matches waiting for the Red Devils in the upcoming season, the Brazilian might just provide them with the squad strength and likewise quality upfront.
Till now, the Special One had to rely solely on Pogba for some flair and spark in the midfield and the inclusion of Talisca might just distribute the pressure among the two youngsters.
Although Talisca needs to work on his defensive tactics, which the shrewd Portuguese would no doubt, still his other qualities does impose a stellar resume which makes the player hard not to get picked this summer by Jose.
Worth the Money?
Although valued at £15m, the player’s price might be higher as Benfica won’t be easily bullied into letting go of their player, still taking into account the player’s skill and talent Red Devils might be tempted to go the extra mile for the youngster.
His tactical awareness, agility and reflex make him a man tough to mark and is a lethal addition upfront. Certainly a bargain for such a price it seems, Mourinho should try to wrap it up as early as possible.
