Alex Grimaldo's continued development has got many onlookers believing that he will go on to become one of the best left-back's on the planet, though it is easy to forget that he was a Barcelona player in the not too distant past.
The 22-year-old quit La Masia in January of last year, moving to Benfica for just €2.1m. The youngster had always been considered as a player who would go on to have a future in the game though his development will still have surprised many.
The defender endured a frustrating start to life in Lisbon, with injury problems disrupting his first few months at his new club but Grimaldo quickly showed his worth on his return to action.
Whilst Benfica are not reaching the heights usually expected of them, Grimaldo continues to stand out and his solid performances and opportunistic raids down the flank have already begun to attract attention from elsewhere.
The latest reports in Italy claim that Serie A pacesetters Napoli could be set to make a move for the player after losing left-back Faouzi Ghoulam to a torn ACL that will sideline him until the end of his contract next summer.
Reigning Italian champions Juventus are also thought to be montioring the player, leaving Barca kicking themselves for letting the player go on the cheap, with Grimaldo now valued at 20 times the fee they received for him less than two years ago.
With Liverpool, who have needed a new left-back since pretty much the dawn of time, also thought to be in the running, Benfica have had to set their stall out and they have done so, setting Grimaldo's asking price at €40m and not a penny (cent) less.