Pep Lijnders makes Enzo Fernandez comment as player demands Liverpool move

Fernandez was a significant contributor to Argentina's success at the World Cup

Along with the likes of Lionel Messi and Alexis Mac Allister, the 21-year-old was particularly effective against France in the final.

He was awarded the Young Player of the tournament award, this will only increase his popularity, however, Portuguese media reports that he wants to move to Liverpool.

A transaction would require negotiation with Benfica, however, the Portuguese big wigs are unlikely to part with the player during the season.

A transfer during the summer would be more feasible. It was beneficial, however, that in his pre- Man City press conference, Lijnders – who has Portuguese roots after eight years with Porto – named Fernandez as he lauded Argentina for their World Cup success.

Lijnders said: “What I liked about Argentina is they played to their strengths.

“Take, for example, Rodrigo De Paul, who is like a sweeper behind Messi.

“Messi’s on the inside, he goes to the outside; Messi’s on the outside, he goes to the inside. They play to their strengths.

“Enzo and Mac Allister, how they manage the midfield, together with Rodrigo but especially these two, how they balance each other.

“Messi, I don’t need to speak about! I said already before, if you see it from five metres, it’s something I’d never witnessed before, the speed, and he was decisive in each attack they had.

“He was the start of many attacks – with Enzo, of course.”

Recent reports claim Liverpool have reached a pre-agreement with Benfica to sign Fernandez next summer.