🎥 Tomás Tavares: "I'm learning from the best"

INTERVIEW

At 18, Tomás Tavares has been one of the academy graduates standing out in the first squad of Benfica in this season. In an extensive interview with the newspaper A Bola, the young right-back talks about several topics. 

In the Benfica-Famalicão match, at Luz, for the championship, Tomás Tavares had a direct hand in two goals. Was that your best match since you were promoted to the first team?

Yes, it probably was my best game. I felt very confident and things were coming out naturally.

How has integration been in the squad? You're the youngest in the starting eleven who's been playing more regularly now...

It has been very good, I'm feeling well, I feel that my teammates welcomed me well and make me feel comfortable in all situations and of course that helps a lot.

Your Benfica debut was in the Champions League against Leipzig. How was that moment experienced?

It was a dream come true. I couldn't have asked for a better debut than in the Champions League and on top of that at Estádio da Luz, in front of our fans. Too bad the result wasn't the best. There was some nervousness at first, but then as the game went on I think I was more relaxed and things went well on an individual level.

In recent years, Benfica has nurtured right-backs such as João Cancelo and Nélson Semedo. Do you see yourself following in their footsteps in terms of an international career or o the National team?

I hope so. They are great players and they are having great careers, both Cancelo and Nelson Semedo. But of course it is a huge responsibility to try to be at their level. But I face it without pressure. I know that I'm at a club that helps me evolve a lot, I still have a lot to learn, I'm young, but I also know I'm in the best place and learning from the best players and the best coaching staff.

Pics: Tânia Paulo / SL Benfica