In an era where football clubs increasingly prioritize potential over established performance, João Neves, at just 19 years old, faces a critical juncture. The market value of young players often peaks when they are still teenagers and showing promise. As time progresses and they transition out of their teenage years, their value can diminish, especially if they fail to meet the high expectations that come with their initial hype.
When a teenager makes a splash in the first team, “dazzling” can often mean displaying raw talent, assertiveness, and a willingness to fight for the ball. These qualities can captivate audiences and scouts alike. However, as the player matures, the demands and scrutiny increase. Mistakes that might have been overlooked when they were younger are now less tolerated. António Silva, a contemporary of Neves, has experienced this firsthand. Despite Neves’ current success, he might soon encounter similar pressures, with critics questioning why Benfica doesn’t have a midfielder who excels more in aerial duels, is more involved in attacking areas, or contributes more directly to goals.
João Neves is a midfielder who has shown considerable promise, but predicting a future superstar career is challenging. While he has been effective, suggesting he will be a regular starter for Benfica for many years is speculative. Football careers can be unpredictable, and many factors, including competition and injury, can influence a player’s trajectory.
In terms of physical attributes and style of play, Neves faces some limitations. He is neither particularly tall nor noted for his strength in aerial duels, which can be critical in certain midfield roles. Additionally, he does not frequently venture into the attacking areas to take shots or create significant chances, resulting in relatively modest statistics. His ball-carrying abilities, while competent, do not stand out in terms of gaining crucial yards or breaking lines with dribbles. Although he is combative on the field, he lacks the relentless intensity of players like N’Golo Kanté, who are known for their tireless work rate and defensive prowess.
When comparing Neves’ goal contributions to those of his predecessor Enzo Fernández, the differences become more apparent. Neves has accumulated six goal involvements (four goals and two assists) over 75 appearances for Benfica’s senior team. In contrast, Fernández managed 10 goal involvements (four goals and six assists) in just 29 games for the same club. This disparity underscores how Neves is currently falling short of the elite benchmarks set by his predecessor, who has since achieved considerable success on the global stage.
Given these considerations, Benfica’s decision to sell Neves aligns with a strategic approach seen with other young talents like João Félix and Renato Sanches. Both were key players for Benfica and were sold at their peak value to top European clubs. The principle is clear: capitalize on their current market value while it is high, especially when the player is still a teenager with promising potential.
In this context, Benfica’s decision to entertain offers for Neves is sound. The reported transfer fee of €60 million plus an additional €10 million in performance-related add-ons, alongside a loan deal with a relatively low purchase option for Renato Sanches, reflects a significant financial gain. This kind of deal demonstrates the club’s ability to leverage market conditions and maximize returns on their investments in young talent.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) appears to be an ideal destination. Under Luis Enrique, PSG utilizes a 4-3-3 formation that features a versatile midfield trio. This setup is somewhat unconventional, as it employs three midfielders—typically Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz, and Zaire-Emery—who perform a variety of roles, blending elements of traditional number 6 and number 8 positions. This fluidity allows for a more flexible approach, with players often rotating through different roles depending on the phase of play.
In this system, Neves could find a favorable environment for his development. The lack of a fixed number 6 or 10 means that Neves can operate in a space between these roles, which suits his current profile. This flexibility could help him grow into a more defined position while adapting to the demands of a top European club. The formation and tactical approach used by Enrique at PSG could complement Neves’ attributes and provide him with the opportunity to further refine his game.
In summary, the combination of Benfica’s strategic sale, the favourable financial terms, and the promising fit with PSG’s tactical setup makes this move a logical step for both the player and the club. It allows Benfica to capitalize on Neves’ current value while offering him a platform to continue his development at a prestigious club.
