Reported Leeds United target Florentino Luis is an ‘exceptional’ talent and good enough to play for Real Madrid, his former Benfica youth coach Joao Tralhao has told Bernabau Digital.
The so-called ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ might no longer be guaranteed a place in Marcelo Bielsa’s starting XI if a Portuguese playmaker ends up at Elland Road this summer.
After all, Florentino Luis is better than Kalvin Phillips in a number of key areas – statistically speaking of course. He averages more tackles and more interceptions per game, and even boasts a better pass completion rate than Leeds’ homegrown hero.
Though Leeds have their work cut out if they want to add one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe to Bielsa’s squad.
ESPN reports that the Whites are facing competition from AC Milan, as well as bitter rivals Manchester United, with Luis understood to be valued at around £35 million.
And according to the man who watched him rise through the ranks at Benfica, Luis has the talent to represent another famous old club all dressed in white.
‘Elite player’
“Florentino is a young player who has exceptional talent. From very early on, we realized that Florentino was on the road to becoming an elite player,” Tralhao recalls.
“I remember that he was one of the pillars of the Benfica team which won the league last season, even when he was only 20 years old.
“I see Florentino as a logical option (for Real Madrid). He has a profile very similar to that of Casemiro and in Europe he is, without a doubt, one of the best in his position.
“I think Florentino is that type of footballer that you would always want to have on your team. Defensively he is exceptionally effective. In terms of technical and decision-making qualities, he is also at a very good level.
“If we are looking for elite footballers who can fit in In this profile, I think we will always remember players like Casemiro, Fernandinho…”
Considering that Casemiro and Fernandinho are two of the finest deep-lying midfielders of their generation, hoovering up trophies aplenty at Real Madrid and Manchester City, that is some praise indeed.
Man City have also shown an interest in signing Luis this summer (The Guardian).
Perhaps, if the 2019 Premier League champions win the race, they will be tempted to take the Jack Harrison route and send him out to Leeds on loan.
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