Manchester City defender Rúben Dias played a part in Claudio Echeverri’s move to Benfica, with more details now coming out about his involvement.
Echeverri had already revealed that he asked Dias and Bernardo Silva about Benfica before making the move. It turns out the Portuguese club were doing exactly the same thing from their side.
A Bola reports on Monday that Benfica officials contacted the Manchester City defender before pushing ahead with the deal.
They wanted an inside view of Echeverri. Dias’ answers then helped “validate” the signing.
Benfica wanted the full picture from Rúben Dias
They wanted information on his professionalism and how he trained at Manchester City. Benfica also asked how the Argentine had adapted to European football and how he integrated with teammates.
There were questions about his technical qualities as well. Dias was particularly well placed to help. He worked alongside Echeverri for a season and another pre-season at Manchester City.
The Portuguese defender also has an obvious connection to Benfica. He spent more than 12 years at the club before joining City in 2020. His feedback gave Benfica further confidence to complete the deal.
Rúben Dias gave Benfica the assurances they wanted
There was one question Benfica wanted answered. Marco Silva wanted a midfielder who could offer something different to Heorhiy Sudakov.
The manager was looking for more creativity and explosiveness, with Echeverri capable of operating as a third midfielder or second forward.
Benfica therefore wanted Dias’ view on whether his City teammate could provide those qualities. A Bola says the defender gave them the guarantees they were looking for. That strengthened Benfica’s belief they should finish negotiations with Manchester City.
Echeverri has since made his debut, coming off the bench against Gil Vicente on Sunday. Marco Silva liked what he saw in those first minutes.
“It wasn’t much time, but I liked him a lot. He brought calmness, wasn’t afraid to take risks and ask for the ball,” he said. “We needed this type of player in that position, very creative when getting into the box.”
It’s still very early for Echeverri in Lisbon. Yet the first impression appears to match the recommendation Benfica received from his Manchester City teammate before signing him.
