Lazar Markovic

Lazar Markovic is one of Europe's hottest prospects, and has been showing how good he is already in Portuguese football with Benfica.

Markovic who is still only the tender age of 20, made his move to Benfica from Serbian club, Partizan Belgrade in 2013 and has been a huge hit ever since despite being somewhat bit-part in the Benfica set-up.

The attacking midfielder, is best when playing just behind the striker in a traditional number 10 role but can be deployed on the left and can be fairly effective from there also. His greatest attributes are his low centre gravity with the ability to turn and change feet almost instantaneously, with a very keen eye for a pass. Perhaps, what Markovic lacks, is the awareness of what is going on around him in a defensive sense but that will definitely come with age and experience.

Despite being just 20 years of age, Markovic is already a full Serbian international and has 12 caps to his name showing that Serbian coach Ljubinko Drulovic has a great deal of respect and faith in him to play the very important number 10 role.

After a very impressive season last season for Benfica, Markovic is wanted or being monitored by many of Europe's elite including Liverpool who been widely linked with the youngster in a deal that could be worth around 20 million euro's to the Portuguese capital club.

In my opinion, I feel that Benfica are not in a position to have to sell to Liverpool and may be able to fend off interest for Markovic where it is not yet known whether or not he is interested in a move to the Premier League just yet. Portuguese football, for me, should be where Markovic stays atleast for another season to really improve the defensive awareness side of his game and to hone his attacking skills with attacking football being actively promoted throughout the Portuguese top league.

EYEFOOTBALL RATING:

CURRENT RATING : 35/50

POTENTIAL RATING : 45/50