Walter Benitez open to Prem transfer as stats show he was Europe’s best stopper last season
WALTER BENITEZ was statistically Europe’s best goalkeeper last season.
The Nice stopper saved over 80 per cent of the shots he faced – beating the likes of Jan Oblak and Alisson – and attracted interest from Wolves, Crystal Palace and Newcastle last month
Benitez, 26, began the season as Patrick Vieira’s second choice but took the No1 jersey with a man-of-the-match display in a 1-0 win over Lyon in August and has not looked back since – becoming known as The Wall.
After missing out on Argentina’s Copa America squad this summer, Benitez is eager to convince Lionel Scaloni he has what it takes to represent his country and admits a move to England may boost his chances.
He told SunSport at the start of July: “I like the Premier League. It’s a very important league and I would like to play there one day.
“I don’t think that moving to England is the only way for me to be in the Argentinian team because the main thing is my performances.
“But to play in the Premier League would probably be good for my chances in the national team. I have recently signed with Wasserman football agency, so I feel like my career is heading in the right direction”
Benitez sent out a cryptic tweet earlier this week, saying “good things come to those who know how to wait.”
Aston Villa continue to be linked with the goalkeeper.
Vieira’s Nice have struggled for goals this season but pulled off big results against Paris Saint-Germain and did the double over Lyon – largely thanks to an impressive defensive record.
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And Benitez has loved playing under the Gunners icon, who decided to axe Mario Balotelli in a bold move.
He added: “I worked hard for the coach, so it was hard for me to start as second keeper.
“But I continued to work and I think I had a good season. He’s a good man and it’s a very good experience to have a coach like him because he has experience and he trusts me.”