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We're willing to bet that most of you out there chose to watch the PSG-Chelsea game over Benfica-Zenit. Allow us to show you the ridiculous backheel tackle that you missed.
That's one way to do it. Credit: abload.de
That is Benfica wonderkid Renato Sanches with an unorthodox backheel tackle on Brazilian winger Hulk. He then proceeds to shield the ball from Hulk, no easy feat for sure. Oh, and did we mention he's only 18?
Despite his age, Sanches has become a key player for Benfica this season. He is a tenacious box-to-box player, who reminds us of Arturo Vidal in his prime. He's also reminded some people of Edgar Davids (although that might be mostly because of his hair). His energy and combativeness has drawn attention from a host of big clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid.
His final product is still questionable — he only has two goals and one assist in the Primeira Liga — but his constant chasing and hassling of opposition players makes it very hard for teams to maintain rhythm. His tackles are well-timed (as proven by that backheel tackle), he has explosive pace and he also has an eye for a killer pass. Oh, and he has a powder keg of a right foot.
Transfermarkt only values him at €800,000 currently, yet FourFourTwo has pointed out that his contract extension includes an incredible €80 million buyout clause. Benfica clearly know how bright a talent they have, and won't let him go for cheap. There might be one hell of a bidding war this summer for the young man, so don't be surprised if that fee rockets up.
