Benfica legend warns over Sudakov: Benfica can't make that mistake | OneFootball

João Alves believes Benfica have still not seen the real version of Georgiy Sudakov and considers any scenario involving the Ukrainian international’s permanent departure to be premature. The former Benfica midfielder, known as "Black Gloves", believes the player’s main problem is a lack of competitive continuity, needing to play regularly to develop, gain confidence and show the quality he possesses. In his view, a possible sale would be a "mistake".

"Sudakov is a special player. He hasn’t shown even half of what he can do. At his age, he is a player who needs to play. Benfica should not get rid of him. Above all, he needs to play and could be sent out on loan", he said in an interview with Record, offering direct advice to the structure led by Rui Costa.

Signed from Shakhtar Donetsk in a multimillion-euro deal, Sudakov arrived at the Luz surrounded by huge expectations. Benfica paid €6.75 million for the initial loan, and were then obliged to go ahead with the permanent transfer for a further €20.25 million. The €27 million already invested could still be joined by another €5 million in performance-related bonuses.

Despite the heavy investment, the 23-year-old attacking midfielder has never managed to establish himself as an undisputed figure in the team. The last time he started was on 21 March, against Vitória de Guimarães, and in the last four matches he did not even come off the bench, at a time when Benfica are already working on the possible arrival of Rodrigo Zalazar for next season.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.