What if Benfica had retained their best players?

Centre-Backs

David Luiz

When David Luiz was signed by Benfica, he was initially signed on loan from Brazilian club Vitoria. Most Brazilian players usually enter Europe through Portugal before making moves to bigger clubs in the continent and Luiz was one of many who moved to one of the big three in Portugal.

He was only 19 at the time but he impressed despite a few hiccups to warrant a permanent move for just €1.5m. Years later he would become the world's most expensive defender - a title he kept until the 2017 transfer window.

Luiz made his mark at Benfica under Jorge Jesus and was instrumental in the club reclaiming the 2008/09 league title after a five-year drought. He was even named the Portuguese Liga Player of the Year.

Chelsea then stepped in and took him to Stamford Bridge with a €25m bid - a handsome profit for Benfica.

Victor Lindelof

Who would his centre-back partner be? The player Manchester United paid £31m to bolster their back line - Victor Lindelof. Although he had a pre-season to forget, take nothing away from the 23-year-old defender who has already won three league titles in Portugal.

The 2016/17 season saw him start nearly every league game, playing 47 games in all competitions as the club achieved their 11th domestic double.