Barcelona will face SL Benfica tonight in the UEFA Champions League at the Estadio da Luz.
A victory today would practically ensure that the Catalans would finish in the top eight of the UCL table and ensure direct qualification to the round of 16.
But Benfica will not be an easy opponent with players like Angel Di Maria, Orkun Kokcu and Nicolas Otamendi, among others, in their ranks.
Álvaro Carreras will receive special attention from Barcelona
Now, according to SPORT, one Benfica player who Barcelona will be keeping a close eye on during tonight’s UCL clash is left-back Alvaro Carreras.
The 21-year-old, former Real Madrid youth player, has become a potential target for the blaugrana to reinforce the left back position in the summer.
After spending the second half of last season on loan at Benfica, Carreras joined Manchester United permanently in the summer on a €6m deal and has been making a good impression.
The youngster has been closely monitored by Barcelona scouts for several months, as his profile fits perfectly with what the Catalans are currently looking for: a young, rapidly developing full-back with international experience.
Carreras’ rise at Benfica has caught the attention of several other clubs besides Barça, including Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, who are closely monitoring his progress.
Deco, with strong connections in Portugal, was alerted to Carreras’ performances earlier in the season and has been following the player.
The Catalans are looking to bring in a competitive left-back to complement Alejandro Balde and, if the 21-year-old continues this trajectory at Benfica, he could become a strong candidate.
For now, Barcelona are closely monitoring his progress and will closely watch how he fares tonight when he faces Hansi Flick’s team.