Manchester United loanee Alvaro Fernandez made his first start for Benfica last night.
Spanish defender Alvaro Fernandez is on his second loan of the season, after Manchester United moved him from Granada to Benfica.
There has been some frustration among Manchester United fans that Fernandez was not entrusted to back-up Luke Shaw this season, with Tyrell Malacia out injured.
This loan at Portuguese league leaders Benfica is the perfect opportunity for him to show his quality.
Alvaro Fernandez makes first start
Alvaro Fernandez made two substitute appearances during his opening two weeks at Benfica, and earlier this week, manager Roger Schmidt praised his training performances.
Schmidt added that he was considering giving Fernandez a chance as a starter, and he backed up his words last night.
Fernandez was selected as part of the Benfica XI in their Portuguese Cup quarter-final match away at Vizela.
Benfica won the game 2-1, with goals from Arthur Cabral and Joao Mario. Fernandez played 70 minutes, with his side leading at the time.
He was very involved, making 60 touches in total, most of which came in the opposition half. He completed 91 per cent of his passes, 39 of 43 attempted in total.
He did his work defensively, making four clearances, winning three duels, although did give away three free-kicks and ended up being booked.
Schmidt comments on Fernandez start
Benfica manager Schmidt spoke about Fernandez’s performance after the game and offered a positive assessment.
Speaking to Mais Futebol, he said: “Carreras did well, especially in the first half, they had very good moments in attack. He was fine with his decisions.
“I think he had a very good game, in the second half he didn’t have so many attacking moments, but I think it was a good first game as a starter.”
Benfica have recently been playing centre-back Morato as a left-back, and while he has done well there, Schmidt believes the Manchester United loanee offers something different to his side.
He explained: “I think it’s not just the type of players, it was more the opponent and especially, when the opponent is so compact, like Vizela, you need an attacking full-back.
“Álvaro did it, but Morato has also been doing well, they are different players, but they are both capable of playing the way we want full-backs to play.”
Benfica are next in action on Sunday in the league away at Vitoria, before the Europa League resumes; they face off against French side Toulouse. Fernandez will hope he has done enough to earn another start in one of these matches.
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