If there was one crumb of comfort Maccabi Haifa fans could take from Wednesday’s 6-1 Champions League thumping at the hands of Roger Schmidt’s free-scoring Benfica, it’s that they’ve seen the last of Alex Grimaldo for a while.
The former Barcelona left-back followed up a stunning long-range strike with a trademark assist during Maccabi’s 2-0 defeat in Lisbon back in September. And, two months on, Grimaldo was front and centre once again, fizzing a free-kick into the back of the home sides net as Benfica ran riot in Israel; ensuring that they, rather than Paris Saint-Germain, would be finishing the group-stage in top spot.
“Since the beginning of the season, he’s been playing at a very high level. I think he’s extraordinary. Full of class,” Schmidt tells Record of Grimaldo, who has three goals and four assists this season already.
“He can defend and attack, and he’s a very reliable player, with a very good attitude. Physically, he’s strong. It’s important to have him in the team and I hope he stays at Benfica. I asked him to stay more years at Benfica.”
Newcastle United like Benfica’s Alex Grimaldo
Unfortunately for Schmidt, the former Bayer Leverkusen coach unbeaten in 22 games since taking charge of Benfica, Grimaldo’s future is very much in the player’s own hands. His contract expires in the summer of 2023.
And, according to transfer expert Rudy Galetti, Juventus, Inter Milan, Napoli and Manchester City are already weighing up bargain moves for one of Europe’s most in-form full-backs. Ditto Newcastle United.
Magpies boss Eddie Howe, Galetti says, would relish the prospect of working with Grimaldo at St James’ Park. They even share the same agent.
And Grimaldo’s finest performance of an already outstanding season feels like something of a double-edged sword for Benfica. Continue like this, and Schmidt’s hopes of retaining the 27-year-old Spaniard in the face of interest from some of Europe’s most ambitious and well-heeled clubs will decrease ever further.
In addition to his 25-yard free-kick, Grimaldo completed 94 per cent of his passes in Israel. He also provided two key passes, six tackles, three interceptions and managed more touches (106) than anyone else on the pitch (WhoScored).
Has there been a more complete performance in the Champions League this season?
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