Geovany Quenda: Chelsea's Rising Star and the Next Bukayo Saka

Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of securing a €50 million deal to sign Sporting CP's teenage sensation, Geovany Quenda, outmaneuvering Manchester United in the process. The 17-year-old winger has already made a significant impact at both club and international youth levels, and his debut season in Sporting's first team has been nothing short of spectacular.

Position and Style

Quenda is a pure winger, excelling in the attacking phase. Despite being deployed in an unfamiliar wing-back role on the right this season, he has managed to rack up four assists and one goal in the league. His youthful energy and enthusiasm have somewhat offset his defensive shortcomings, but Chelsea is expected to utilize him in a more traditional winger role.

By the Numbers

• Pass accuracy: 82.5%
• Shots: 35 (8 on target)
• Expected Goals: 2.94
• Expected Assists: 3.90
• Successful tackles: 33.3%
• Successful ground duels: 51.8%
• Successful aerial duels: 42.3%

Strengths

Quenda's relentless dribbling in wide areas, willingness to take on opponents, and eagerness to set up combination passes make him a formidable attacker. His change of pace is another weapon, with 2.40 chances created per 90 minutes placing him in the top 5% of wingers/wide forwards in Portugal's top flight. His acceleration from a standing start makes him particularly hard to stop, and his left foot is both powerful and precise.

Areas for Improvement

Given his high attacking involvement, Quenda should aim for more end product (goals, assists) as he gains a better understanding of the game. Winning the ball more frequently high up the pitch would also be beneficial.

Expert Opinions

"More than a versatile player, he brings balance and technical ability, not just the position. He is a player with magic and who can make the difference in the final third. He is a player with a spectacular future and his experience of being in the national team, whether he plays on the pitch or not, is important." -- Roberto Martinez, Portugal head coach

"He is so committed in defensive moments and defensive duels. He plays so well there because the space that he covers on the field is huge. Geo is so demanding with himself in the defensive moments. To close, to recover fast, to win the defensive duels for his team-mates. It reminds me of [Arsenal winger] Bukayo Saka in the beginning of his career when he played as a full-back." -- Fabio Roque, Quenda's youth coach at Sporting

Transfer Rumors

Manchester United were the most heavily linked, given his previous work with Amorim, but every top club in Europe has watched Quenda at some point.