Thursday 20 September 2018 13:54, UK
Niko Kovac says Renato Sanches has similar qualities to Lothar Matthaus after the Bayern Munich midfielder's performance against Benfica.
The 21-year-old sealed Bayern's 2-0 victory at Benfica on Wednesday with a goal against the club where he played for a decade before moving to the German club for £27.5m in 2016.
However, the Portugual midfielder has struggled to tie down a regular first-team spot since his move and endured a tough time on loan at Swansea City last season.
Bayern coach Kovac restored Sanches to the side for Wednesday's match, and following the victory in Portugal said: "Renato has an exceptionally good technique, very good speed and a great body.
"It's true that people fly off him left and right - just like they used to do with Lothar Matthaus.
"I'm delighted for Renato - I said yesterday that he was excellent in pre-season and it wouldn't be long before he plays."
Former Bayern Munich midfielder Matthaus, who captained Germany to the 1990 World Cup title and won the Ballon d'Or in the same year, added to the plaudits for Sanches.
"These are the kind of stories that football writes. He looks in shape and crowned his performance with a goal," he said.
