Manchester United loanee Alvaro Fernandez is awaiting his first start on loan at Benfica.
Alvaro Fernandez spent the first part of the season out on loan at Granada, although started only five La Liga games.
A decision was made to switch his loan clubs, but a move to Benfica is certainly more ambitious.
So far, Fernandez has found it slow-going at Benfica, who sit top of the Portuguese league, with Brazilian defender Morato their current first choice left-back.
Alvaro Fernandez loan at Benfica so far
Alvaro Fernandez has played in two matches for Benfica so far, both times as a substitute.
The first came as a late substitute in a league cup semi-final defeat to Estoril which his side lost on penalties.
He played 39 minutes including extra-time and looked lively, creating chances, which his team could not take advantage of.
Fernandez was an unused substitute against Estrela, before coming off the bench this past weekend for his league debut, playing 23 minutes against Gil Vicente.
Benfica boss update on Alvaro Fernandez
While Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag did not feel Fernandez was ready to be part of his first team squad, Benfica boss Roger Schmidt is happy to have the young Spaniard available.
Schmidt told A Bola he is pleased with what he has seen so far from Fernandez.
He explained: “Alvaro is doing well in training, he has already played a few minutes, but in the future he could also play as a starter.
“He is working well, he is a player capable of quickly understanding tactical behaviours, he adapts quickly and I am looking forward to seeing him on the field.”
First choice left-back Morato has been converted from a centre-back, so there is some hope Fernandez may be able to make the spot his own.
Former Benfica defender Alvaro Maghalaes told A Bola last month he believes an upgrade at the position is necessary and wants to see Fernandez grasp the opportunity.
He said of Morato: “Defensively he feels good, in offensive terms he has difficulties, even defensively he also has, but he is improving, he is gaining routines
“We are losing a top-quality central defender [playing him there] and I hope that Alvaro, who is certainly a good person, will be successful, because we need a left-back with other characteristics compared to Morato.”
Benfica are in action in the cup tonight away against Vizela in the quarter-final. It is a big game, but a chance to rotate and give the Manchester United loanee a chance, if Schmidt is bold enough to make the change.
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