One appearance, one goal for Renato Sanches. That’s how the stats this season read for the Portuguese who, it is easy to forget, is still only 21.
After two years in the wilderness, he marked his return to the top of European football with a goal, coincidentally, against his boyhood club, Benfica.
The Second Rise of Renato Sanches
Teenage Troubles
The winner of the 2016 European Golden Boy award has had a rough couple of years since starring in Portugal’s victorious 2016 Euros campaign. He made 25 appearances for Bayern Munich in his first season without registering a single assist or goal for the Bavarians.
Then, last season, he suffered relegation while on loan at Swansea in the Premier League. However, things could be on the up for the prodigy under new Bayern boss Niko Kovac.
“You have to remember he’s a young player that left his country, that left his family,” said Kovac when asked about Sanches’ difficulties in settling in Munich.
More Mature
Under his new boss at Bayern, it seems that Sanches has the confidence of the coach and the management. His problems since winning the Euros at the age of 18 are well-documented. However, a club like Bayern does not make a £30 million investment in an 18-year-old without some serious homework being done.
Renato Sanches’ return to Bayern may have been one of the least talked about player moves in the post-season but it could be one to have the biggest long-term effect. 2018/19 could be the year where he takes a giant leap to showcase his potential.
“Niko will try and bring him back to his old strength,” said Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Chairman of Bayern Munich. “It’s an exciting project.”
“What he did in pre-season was extraordinary. His time came today. Renato has very good technique. We knew he could play football. That’s why Bayern signed him,” Kovac said.
The midfielder showed respect for his first club upon his return, refusing to celebrate, putting his hands up after scoring. For his gesture, Renato Sanches earned a standing ovation and respect of the Benfica fans inside the Estadio da Luz. It was his first goal in a competitive game since January 2016.
“I’m so happy to come back to Lisbon and to play this game is special for me,” Sanches added. “I just want to say thank you to the Benfica fans.”
Strong Character
Pep Guardiola, Bayern boss in 2015/16 when the German club first spotted the 18-year old sensation, described him as, “one of the best young players by far in Europe. He’s dynamic, has a lot of quality and, above all, has character. He covers a lot of ground. He’s top, top quality and has got a big future ahead of him.”
Bayern and Portugal fans will be hoping Renato Sanches can show the character and promise that prompted Bayern to shell out £30m on a teenager.
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