Benfica boss happy with Alvaro Fernandez’s development

Benfica manager Roger Schmidt has admitted that he is satisfied with the development of Manchester United loanee Alvaro Fernandez, despite not yet rewarding the young left-back with his first start for the Portuguese giants.

The Spaniard joined the Primeira Liga club on loan for the remainder of the season last month after spending the first half of the campaign at Granada in La Liga.

Fernandez was thought highly of at Granada so the move seemed strange at the time, but Benfica offered assurances over a potential permanent deal, which is why United pulled him out of Spain.

However, Fernandez has made just two substitute appearances for Benfica since his move.

When questioned about Fernandez’s development and lack of playing time, Schmidt told A Bold: “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.”

Benfica are currently leading the Portuguese top division, although Sporting Lisbon will move to first place if they win their game in hand.

They take on Vizela tonight in the Taca de Portugal quarter-finals.

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