Rui Costa on Lazar
Costa is now Benfica’s Director of Football and he looks back on the deal he has just completed with Liverpool with a sense of disappointment and pride: disappointment as he was saying goodbye to an outstanding talent but pride over how thrilled Markovic was to receive such an opportunity.
‘What I will remember most about the transfer is how thankful and emotional he was when we told him Liverpool had met his release clause and that was going to allow him to sign for Liverpool,’ Costa, a Champions League winner who was capped 94 times by Portugal, told Sportsmail.
‘I believe he will never forget the time he spent with us at Benfica.
Markovic is a huge talent and I believe his speed and skills can make a difference in the Premier League. He's not a physical player, but he has the ability and the flexibility to escape defenders easily. ‘Apart from that, he's a really focused player. He loves football and enjoys playing and watching the game. Markovic is also very cold blooded when he's in one to one and he's not afraid on facing the opponents. He's always eager to learning, so I think he will adapt himself very quickly.’
Markovic’s departure means Benfica have lost the two players who had most influence on them winning the title last season but, in the way that Nemanja Matic has flourished for Chelsea, Costa is looking forward to seeing him develop.
‘The only thing he shares with Matic is the fact they are both Serbians who both played for Benfica,’ said Costa. ‘Matic gives balance to a team, with a great positioning, intelligence and the way he passes the ball. Markovic likes to take risks, play on one to one and attack. He is a
pure talent.’
I really cant wait to see Lazar at full pelt in Liverpool red