What if Benfica had retained their best players?

Attacking Midfield

Angel Di Maria

With three midfielders (or a playmaker and two wide forwards) in our formation, we've gone with a star-studded attack.

First up is Angel Di Maria. The Argentine winger's first foray into European football was with Benfica where he spent three seasons. He arrived for just €2m and would be sold later to Real Madrid for a cool €36m (including incentives).

A wiry player who used his pace and crossing to good effect, Di Maria won three trophies with Benfica before turning 22, after which he made his famous move to the Bernabeu.

Renaro Sanches

Renato Sanches may have made headlines following his €35m move to Bayern Munich at the age of 18 but his first season with the Bavarian club hasn't been anything to write home about.

But his time with Benfica was certainly productive. With the ability to play anywhere in midfield (even in defensive roles), he has a style reminiscent of Clarence Seedorf. Although he has a long way to go to match the four-time Champions League winner, the potential is there for all to see.

The third midfielder in our team is Manchester City's new recruit Bernardo Silva. Before he made a name for himself at AS Monaco, Silva had come up through the Benfica youth system before making his senior debut aged 19.

Bernardo Silva

But Benfica saw it best to first loan him to Monaco where he impressed in the 2014/15 season, prompting the Ligue 1 club to spend nearly €16m to make his move permanent.

Silva has since made a name for himself, even leading Monaco to the Ligue 1 title that has been dominated by PSG for years before City saw it fit to spend €50m to secure his services.

But deep down, he still harbours feelings for Benfica, saying: "I wish to go back to Benfica like Rui Costa did (who retired at Benfica after 12 years in Serie A), win titles and be part of their history."