The Football Observatory (CIES) announced this Saturday the list of the 10 best left backs of 2023. And in the top 10 a big surprise awaits, with the presence of Benfica player Fredrik Aursnes in 4th place. A surprising choice, because the Austrian player is originally a midfielder, but was adapted to that role several times last season and this season by coach Roger Schmidt, often to fill gaps due to injuries or suspensions.
Aursnes, by far Benfica’s most versatile player as he has also played at right-back and in other midfield positions (central midfielder, defensive midfielder and even behind the striker), appears in this ranking in 4th place, interestingly behind a left-back. back who wrote history at Benfica: the Spaniard Alex Grimaldo, who left the Eagles for the German Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.
“It’s okay for me, I’m going to do my best on the field, whatever position I play in. I’m approaching it with an open mind and I’m even enjoying playing in these new positions. Maybe it’s good to settle sticking to just one function, but on the other hand, having different functions can also be positive. It’s okay. I feel like I don’t have top qualities, but I’m competent in almost all of them,” Aursnes recently said in an innuendo on the constant adjustments he has been subjected to since arriving at Benfica last season.
In the first two places of this CIES ranking are Theo Hernandez, from AC Milan, and Joaquim Piquerez, from Palmeiras, a Brazilian club coached by the Portuguese Abel Ferreira.
The Football Observatory also released yesterday the list of the best right backs of the year, highlighting the presence of two Portuguese players in the top 10: João Cancelo, from Barcelona, who occupies the 8th position, and Diogo Dalot, from Manchester, in 10th place. In the central defense position, Manchester City’s Rúben Dias stands out in 2nd place, just behind teammate Manuel Akanji.
This CIES election takes into account various parameters ranging from the number of matches to the minutes played, including on-field performance and results achieved.
Lo Celso wants Di María at Rosario
The Argentinian Rosario Central has never hidden its intention to count on Di María next season. Several directors have already said this publicly, but now the idea is also being defended by Giovani Lo Celso, an Argentina international who plays in the Premier League for Tottenham and, like the Benfica player, was born and trained at the Rosario club.
“We know it is not easy because we are talking about a player who has left an indelible mark across Europe, but God willing, God willing,” Lo Celso began in an interview with ESPN.
“People are very excited about the possibility of him returning and it seems to me that the club is doing well. I hope it can happen, it would be incredible for him and for the fans, but it is not easy. It would be something .” incredible for Argentinian football, wherever he goes he will be cheered. He will be remembered by everyone and will make Argentine football grow,” he added.
The 35-year-old Di María, who was signed on a free transfer at the start of the season, has a contract with Benfica that runs until the end of the season. Rui Costa has already stated in an interview that he would like the Argentine winger to stay for another year, but this is an issue that will only be defined closer to the end of the season.
In addition to Rosario Central, the club where he graduated, the South American has tempting offers from Saudi Arabia and Mexican clubs.
Source: DN
