Benfica and Sweden defender, Victor Lindelöf is being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as Antonio Conte attempts to address the defensive issues at the club.
To learn more about Lindelöf, the type of player he is, what he could bring to Chelsea, we spoke to Planet Benfica to hear their views.
For those who don’t know much about him, how would you describe Lindelöf as a player?
He is a precious commodity: a centre-back that relishes a physical battle, but can also play football. He is strong in the tackle, good in the air, and 100% committed. He may look a little chunky, but he is deceptively quick. The Swede is comfortable in possession and likes to bring the ball out of defence.
Although he clearly loves a tackle, Lindelöf is totally composed, and in no way reckless. In fact, he is so calm that his teammates have dubbed him ‘The Iceman’, a nickname that has become really popular in Portugal.
The 22-year old is a bubbly character and a real warrior on the pitch, so he is already a fans’ favourite at the Estádio da Luz. With Lindelöf on the pitch last season, Benfica averaged 2.65 points per match, more than any other outfield regular.
Lindelöf can also play in defensive midfield and at right-back, but I’m sure that Conte is thinking of using him in the heart of the defence.
Lindelöf came close to joining Middlesbrough, but it fell through, could you explain what happened?
At the start of the season, he was behind Luisão, Jardel and Lisandro López in the pecking order. He only made one first-team appearance before January, so the club were looking to arrange a loan move to get him some game-time. Then Lisandro got injured, and with Luisão already in the treatment room, Lindelöf was thrust into the limelight. He went on to start all but one of Benfica’s remaining fixtures.
£25million is the reported asking price, should that worry Chelsea fans?
It is certainly a lot for a guy that has only made 26 appearances for Benfica. Then again, Renato Sanches just joined Bayern for €35 million (potentially rising to €80 million) after only 35 games. Lindelöf is already a great player, and he will only improve with age. He definitely has the potential to become a world-class central defender.
How would he adapt to the demands of the Premier League?
Physically he should have no problems. Mentally too. He is really unflappable. He didn’t look overawed against Porto or Sporting in the Liga NOS, in Champions League games with Zenit and Bayern, or at Euro 2016 with Sweden.
My only concern is his lack of experience. Defending is all about positioning and decision-making, and young defenders will inevitably make mistakes. If I were Conte, I’d be tempted to give him one more season in Portugal to develop.
How has the news gone down among Benfica fans?
Barely a day goes by without a Benfica star being linked with another club, so most are taking the rumours with a pinch of salt at the moment. If the transfer actually happens, it will be met with serious disappointment. Despite his relative youth, Lindelöf is already a vital member of the first team, and his departure would seriously weaken Benfica’s title credentials.
Finally, would this be a good deal for Chelsea?
Lindelöf is a fantastic young player, and Conte knows a good defender when he sees one! I’m not sure that he is worth £25 million just yet, but that is his release clause, and that is probably what Chelsea will have to pay to secure his services. Benfica are under no pressure to sell having offloaded Nico Gaitán and Renato Sanches for a combined €60 million this summer.
