Renato Sanches was a player on top of the world when he aided Portugal to an unprecedented triumph at Euro 2016.
Named young player of the tournament, Sanches proved just that with some sparkling individual performances in Portugal’s run to success in France. He became the youngest ever player to win the prestigious gong, earning himself a shot at stardom with a move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich from hometown club Benfica that same summer.
However, the player endured a difficult stint in Munich with many arguing that the big move from Benfica came too soon. A rapid ascent to the lofty heights of the game was quickly be followed by a chastening descent to the bottom. His dramatic fall from grace was further endorsed with his controversial loan switch to Swansea in 2017.
It was a move with the intention to revitalise his stalled progression, however the rigours of the English top-flight taught the youngster a harsh lesson as he failed to conjure up any sort of inspiration in his 15 appearances. His time spent in south Wales became somewhat comedic with the midfielder passing the ball towards advertising hoardings mistaking it for a fellow teammate during a Premier League game against Chelsea. That moment coupled with injuries signalled his downward spiral into mediocrity, with then Swansea boss Carlos Carvahal stating that the player just ‘stopped learning’ after leaving Benfica.
However, a little under three years on, and the 22-year-old is enjoying a bit of a renaissance in the Northern side of France at Lille. Moving from Bayern Munich last summer at his own request, the midfielder is slowly starting to piece back the tattered remains of a promising career. Sanches has become a key figure in the base of midfield for Christophe Galtier’s side sitting fourth in Ligue 1 table and well versed to qualify for the Champions League once again. The Portuguese midfielder has has netted three times in all competitions this season and has fully begun to justify his position as the flagship signing from last summer.
After penning a four-year contract to sign for the club, the former Benfica wonderkid is rapidly laying the groundwork to change the false perception of a fallen star. A move to Lille, a club undergoing a steady progression back amongst the big time was certainly the correct decision by the player. It is a low risk move and one that has allowed Sanches the freedom to express himself without any kind of pressure or lofty expectations.
The unstoppable runs from deep, intricate passing and bustling tackles that propelled him to stardom at Euro 2016, have progressively crept back into his repertoire and the confidence in which he so effortlessly expressed throughout the tournament has returned.
It’s clear to see that the player has rediscovered his consistency and undeniable capabilities in a low pressured and stable environment. Another scintilating performance against Angers last weekend, was again capped off with another fine goal. Receiving a pass from Luiz Araújo, he then drove at his marker before unleashing an unstoppable drive at the keeper’s near post. The Portuguese youngster put in yet another bullish showing and his stats below tell its own story.
His influence and progressive play from deep have been clearly evident in the league so far this season. The Portuguese midfielder has completed 2.5 dribbles per game, 1.4 key passes and is also not afraid to test the keeper with an average of 1.5 shots per game, [WhoScored]. This is a player really enjoying his football after such a difficult few years.
Now the question remains whether Sanches can maintain his fitness and form as he faces a difficult battle to force his way back in the Portugal setup for this summers European championship. His last appearances for his country came back in 2018 with unrest at club level rendering any hopes and dreams of starring for his country. He faces some fierce competition with the Portuguese squad on the end of an impressive transformation in talent and personnel since 2016. Players such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves have formed the bedrock of Fernando Santos’ team and it is difficult to see where Sanches fits in if he returns to the fold.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWVpSBbKwec
He did earn a surprise call up back in September, an indication as to how highly Portuguese coach Fernando Santos rates him. So far, Sanches has proved his worth and a possible return to stardom on the grandest stages may be on the cards once again.
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