From a regular to now rarely an option, did the Argentinian earn himself another chance after his performance in the Taça da Liga?
Franco Cervi joined Benfica in the summer of 2016 from CA Rosario in a transfer worth just over $6M USD. He certainly arrived as an unknown, but over the course of the last four years, he’s established himself as a fan favorite.
Whether he’s playing wide in a front three, as a winger in a 4-4-2, or even playing as a left back, he gives you a lot of options.
Apart from his versatility on the pitch, one characteristic you can never criticize him for is his energy.
He’s one of those guys who is absolutely tireless during the entire match. Whether you need him getting down the line to cross the ball into the box, tracking back nipping at the opposition’s heels, or even getting into the box with a late run to put it in the back of the net, Cervi will do all that, and with the maximum level of intensity and commitment.
Over the course of his time at the club, he’s never featured less than 20 times in the Portuguese League. Last season, from 23 appearances in the league alone, he was in the starting XI 19 times. Some will say he was also a vital piece to Benfica’s miracle in the 2017/18 season, coming back from a seven point deficit to steal the title from our rivals in the north.
With Jorge Jesus’ return to the club this Summer, it looks as if the Argentinian isn’t really an option for him.
Considering JJ requested Everton, he who came with a big price tag, that is a major hurdle. As you know, it’s not always easy to sit a player that came at a high cost, especially when he was hand picked by the manager. JJ is a very proud man, and it would take a lot for him to sit the Brazilian international in favor of Cervi.
He isn’t the best in the squad, but I think we can all agree that he’s also far from the worst. If the rest of the squad played with half his passion as consistently as he does, we’d be in good shape.
He’s that guy who knows his role in the squad, will work hard to earn himself a start, but won’t complain if he’s not starting. And then, when he’s called upon, he shows up, stands up, and says I’m here.
Against Braga on Wednesday, in a more defensive position, and a formation that changed quite a bit throughout the match, he held his own. I’ll admit, defensively, he was actually better than I anticipated considering Carlos Carvalhal’s squad were just about at full strength.
Multiple times he got back and picked the pocket of the opposition, and he got forward quite a few times. There were some crosses that didn’t find their target, but I’m not entirely sure we can put the blame all on him.
Prior to that match, rumors were picking up momentum that he was on his way to out of the club. Whether Spanish paella is in his future, or the city that never sleeps – New York City, his departure seems more than likely. Given that Grimaldo and Nuno Tavares are out with COVID may give him a few more opportunities, but will that be enough for Jorge Jesus to really consider him a legitimate option?
I’m hopeful that he does stick around because this squad needs depth, but knowing that JJ has his eye set on one or two more additions, Cervi may be sacrificed in an attempt to bring in some funds ahead of another signing.
