Andre sends Liverpool a message as Fluminense win Copa Libertadores
Liverpool ’embarrassed’ by transfer rejections
With his performance in the Copa Libertadores final, which saw Brazilian club Fluminense overcome Argentine rivals Boca Juniors after extra time on Saturday night, Andre Trindade, a target for Liverpool, delivered a message to the Merseyside giants. The 22-year-old has been linked to the Reds for some months, and they are expected to entice him to leave his native country in 2019.
Born in Algodao, eastern Brazil, Andre is considered one of South America’s finest young midfielders. He made his debut for his country in a June friendly loss to Senegal, coming on as a substitute. In a World Cup qualifier last month, he also made an appearance for Brazil as a substitute when his team drew with Venezuela. But it’s his latest performance for Fluminense that has caught the eye.
The Copa Libertadores final, which is South America’s version of the Champions League final, proved to be a tight affair as German Cano gave the Brazilian team the lead in the first half. Luis Advincula then drew Boca level with a thumping long-range effort in the second period. But John Kennedy popped up with the winner during extra time.
Andre produced a scintillating display during the match. And his stats suggest he could flourish if given the opportunity in a Liverpool shirt.
According to Sky Sports and BBC statistician Statman Dave, Andre had a 93.6 per cent pass accuracy during the final after completing 59 of his 63 passes. He had 79 touches, won seven of his nine ground duels and completed two dribbles. He also showed his tenacity without the ball as he won four out of five tackles. And if he could replicate those numbers in the Premier League, he would take English football by storm.
Andre, who has also attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal and Fulham, has been asked about his future during interviews. And he recently said: “I follow the Premier League a lot. It’s a very competitive league that demands a lot from players. But today my dream is to live day by day here in Fluminense. I don’t know what will happen in the future. I have a long contract at Fluminense [which runs until the end of 2026] and I really like being here.
