Manchester United loanee, Alvaro Carreras, was given another chance to start for Benfica as he has begun to establish himself in the first eleven.
After making sporadic appearances from the bench since moving to the Lisbon side in January, Carreras has started two out of the last three games and even found the back of the net for the first time in his professional career recently.
Despite a poor performance and result that saw Benfica lose 2-0 away to FC Famalicão and in the process, award Sporting Lisbon the league title, due to the fact As Águias can no longer mathematically catch their city rivals, Carreras shone.
Benfica dominated possession with 58% and had more shots as they had 18 to the home side’s 10. Despite a limp overall performance, Carreras put in one of his side’s better displays.
He was given a respectable score of 7.3 on Sofascore for his night’s work. The Spaniard blocked one shot and made one interception to repel the Famalicão attack.
He also showed his strong defensive presence by successfully completing five tackles. The young defender won both his aerial duels and six out of 11 ground battles.
As usual, though, the wingback’s talent shone through in an attacking respect. Carreras had a mammoth 82 touches of the ball and completed 43 out of his 51 passes, resulting in a pass accuracy of 84%.
The 21-year-old also completed three key passes and was successful in his one attempted long ball. The exciting fullback whipped in four crosses with one finding its intended target.
He was also able to have one shot on goal but it was blocked by the resolute home defence.
The result is obviously a disappointing one for Benfica but Carreras will take heart in the display. It was a complete showing where he was solid defensively but showed his true attacking talent.
The youngster was very highly rated at United’s academy and was wonderful on loan last season at Preston.
It seems that his days at Old Trafford are numbered though as Benfica have openly talked about activating the buy option they have in his current deal, as he has proven himself to be a capable squad member for the Lisbon side.
However, United seem certain to include a buy-back option in the deal, if they ever choose to bring back the impressive fullback.
The Spanish Under 21 international will be hoping to make another start against Arouca next Sunday and show United exactly what they have been missing this campaign.
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