Will Fabio Coentrao be playing his football in the Premier League next season?

Portuguese wing back Fabio Coentrao is reportedly being chased by a host of top Premier League sides.

He produced a man of the match performance in Benfica’s 4-3 Champions league victory over Lyon last night and he capped the superb performance with two well-taken goals.

Versatile

One of his biggest attributes is his versatility. He played as a left-back in all of his country’s games at the World Cup but can also operate on the left-wing. This attribute would make him a valuable addition to any team.

Denied

Although he has been linked with a big money move Coentrao has stated that he is happy at the Portuguese side. He told Sport TV: “I have a deal with Benfica for the next six years and my intention is to fulfil that contract.

“I have heard about the rumours about the big European clubs but at the moment, I am calm and totally focused on life with Benfica.”

He says that he intends to fulfil his contract at the Estadio Da Luz but I don’t think Benfica could really resist big money offers with the club believed to value the youngster in the £27million bracket. Surely he also has ambitions of playing in one of Europe’s top leagues. I couldn’t see him turning down the chance to play in La Liga or the Premier League.

Money

Not only would he be playing a higher standard of football than in the Portuguese top flight he would also earn himself a fortune in a bigger league. The likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid would all pay him a fantastic wage to sign for them (rightly or wrongly).

Talented

He has been highly rated for a while now and he is starting to fulfil his potential in Lisbon. The thing that has impressed me whenever I have seen him play is his ability to get up and down the pitch. I believe his talents are better employed further forward than full-back, although he does a decent job in the backline it would be a waste of his attacking ability to employ him in defence.

First Team

He may be talented but if he moves to a bigger club or league then he may struggle to command regular first team football. The clubs that I have already mentioned usually have two players for each position.

If he did move then he would have to be at his best in every game. His critics have accused him of been inconsistent but he is still young and can improve that with experience.

International

If he does move clubs and then struggles to gain regular first team football then he risks losing his place in the Portuguese national side. He has made just eleven appearances for Paulo Bento’s team and will be hoping to cement his place in the team ahead of a possible Euro 2012 appearance.

Summer

Benfica are likely to keep the rising star until at least next summer but I’m sure if he keeps making an impact that the Eagles resolve could be tested in the summer transfer window. From what I have seen of Coentrao I think he is capable of playing in either the Premier League or La Liga.

However for now he will be concentrating on Benfica and helping them retain their Portuguese league crown. Next summer he could have a major life decision to make.

Will Coentrao make the switch to the Premier League next summer?