Dodi Lukebakio came very close to leaving Benfica in the final days of the European transfer market, but the management of the red-and-white club decided not to proceed with the player's departure. This decision was made by Marco Silva, the team coach.
José Manuel Freitas, a commentator on the Now channel, considered that Lukebakio will never be a starter at Benfica. He compared the player's situation to the story of Richard Ríos, stating that the Belgian winger should only play in League Cup and Portuguese Cup matches against teams from lower divisions.
Freitas justified his opinion by explaining that Lukebakio has different characteristics from what Marco Silva prefers in his players. The commentator said that Lukebakio likes to have the ball at his feet and takes risks with dribbling, but he is not a vertical player, unlike what the coach values.
Additionally, José Manuel Freitas considered that Lukebakio has zero defensive ability, which according to the commentator is yet another factor preventing the Belgian winger from establishing himself as a starter in Marco Silva's team.
