João Neves Shines in Midfield
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João Neves Shines in Midfield

July 18, 2024No Comments


When Enzo Fernández left for Chelsea for a whopping 120M, many assumed that Benfica would have a hard time replacing the Argentine. Such assumptions are reasonable in normal circumstances. 

However, modern football seems to produce stars every summer. Benfica didn’t just find a replacement; they arguably found someone even better in the then-teenager João Neves, who also happens to be Portuguese.

Flash forward a year later, and it turns out that everyone wants João Neves. Is it justified? Is he that good? This might give our readers a little insight into the Portuguese’s gameplay. 

Name  João Pedro Gonçalves Neves
Date of Birth 27 September 2004 (19 y/o)
Position Midfielder
Height 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in)
Current Club Benfica (contract until June 2028)
Former Clubs Benfica B
Transfer Value €55M
National Team  Portugal, 9 caps

How Joao Neves Commands Benfica’s Midfield

It’s important to start by acknowledging that João Neves is a leader by example. He might not wear the captain’s armband, but he doesn’t need it. He leads through his actions on the pitch, particularly through his ball carries and decision-making.

Playing under Roger Schmidt, Neves initiates play from deep midfield. He excels in this role, consistently pushing the opponent higher up the pitch with the ball at his feet. This also helps his two interiors, who can also push higher up. 

Given how forward-thinking the Portuguese is, it allows Benfica to accelerate the tempo of the game while maintaining the quality of the build-up.

In modern football, where every second counts, this proves to be very useful for Benfica’s plans. Roger Schmidt has regularly praised Neves for his courage and bravery on the ball, qualities that are uncommon in players of his age.

Frequently, Neves is seen progressing down the half-space, utilizing his passing range to find players near zone 14 or even directly in the final third. 

This type of pass has become increasingly popular, and it is one of the reasons why top European clubs are after the nineteen-year-old. This type of play allows one to overpass an entire block, typical of Toni Kroos. This isn’t to compare him to the German (God forbid!), but it means that his skill set is wanted across the continent.

Impact in the Final Third

João Neves strikes a perfect balance between threatening passes and maintaining high pass completion rates, minimizing the risk of turnovers that could lead to counter-attacks. His pass completion often reaches close to 90%, which shows how consistent the midfielder is with his passing. 

This balance is crucial, as it allows Neves to create chances and generate offensive threats while timing his passes perfectly. Not every team can afford a high-risk, high-reward player like Bruno Fernandes, making Neves an attractive option for clubs seeking a more balanced approach.

High Pressing and Defensive Mastery

In addition to his on-ball prowess, João Neves excels off the ball. As mentioned earlier, Neves is a dynamic presence with the ball at his feet, who leads by example through his carries. However, his impact is equally significant when his team is out of possession.

It’s rather unusual for the deepest players to end up as the highest players while pressing. But João Neves isn’t like most players. He often presses high enough without destroying the team’s structure to become the highest-positioned player while pressing.

This unconventional approach allows him to have a wider influence on the pitch, noticeable as his pressure actions are positioned in the high midfield, despite playing (in theory) as the deepest midfielder of the team.

How João Neves Could Adapt to New Teams

Benfica’s aggressive style and league dominance enhance João Neves’ ability to press high and influence the game. However, this level of aggressive play might not be replicated wherever he goes, as it largely depends on the team’s style.

While Benfica can afford to have Neves press high, other teams might find it impractical. This factor is crucial when analyzing his potential move, especially to teams that are less dominant in their respective leagues.

One of the clubs regularly mentioned in the Neves saga is Manchester City. Sure, the Citizens are the most dominant team at the moment, but they also play slowly. His excess verticality could be a problem, as he will be expected to pass the ball safer, only unlocking the game upon the coach’s request.

However, this scenario would differ if he played for any other Premier League team, except perhaps Arsenal. Were he to play for Manchester United or Liverpool, he would find a team that would prefer him to continue these vertical passes.

Potential Moves: Where Will João Neves Shine Next?

The prospect of João Neves joining Manchester City is undeniably thrilling. Playing alongside Rodri would require Neves to hone his defensive positioning, an aspect of his game that hasn’t been thoroughly tested in Portugal.

Rodri often needs support to shield against counters, and Neves would need to adapt to a more selfless role – something he must prove he’s capable of.

However, recent developments have also linked Manchester United with the young talent, where he could follow in the footsteps of Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes. This is hardly surprising, given United’s clear intentions to strengthen their squad, as evidenced by their pursuit of Lille defender Leny Yoro, a center-back. 

The addition of Neves would signal a significant investment in bolstering their defense, indicating INEOS’s commitment to revitalizing the club’s fortunes, a marked contrast to the previous ownership.

Availability and Potential Destinations

The main question surrounding João Neves is his availability and the price Benfica will demand. Known for securing premium prices for their players, Benfica will likely seek a significant fee for their midfield gem.

Additionally, much depends on which club Neves ultimately chooses, a decision that remains unclear. One thing is certain: it is unlikely that Neves will remain in Portugal for much longer.





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