The Argentine, Nicolas Gaitan, is a player whose stocks are always rising. Currently playing in Portugal, for Benfica, he is a player that has attracted much attention from the top European clubs.
Portuguese clubs seem to have a knack for spotting hidden gems from South America as Benfica picked Gaitan up from Boca Juniors in Argentina. Much like his Argentinian team mate, Lionel Messi, his talent was doubted at first, due to his small stature but made his club debut for Boca, aged 20, in a 3-1 win against Arsenal de Sarandi. That would be his first and last appearance that season.
The following year proved to be more successful with his name in the first 11 cemented. In 35 appearances, Gaitan netted 7 goals and also assisted 8 times, in a disappointing season for Boca Juniors. That was to be his last season at Boca before his move to Benfica.
Benfica purchased the midfielder at the end of the 2009/2010 season for a reported sum of €8.4m, the second highest transfer fee paid by the club after Oscar Cardoso. Having recently sold Angel di Maria to Real Madrid, the Benfiquistas were looking to strengthen their left flank with Gaitan. His first season with Benfica saw him make 26 appearances, scoring 7 goals, recording 7 assists and lifting the Taca da Liga trophy.
The 2011/2012 season witnessed Nicolas Gaitan comfortably adapt to an advanced role down the flanks. He seemed to be more comfortable with his new position as he registered 17 assists in all competitions and scored 4 goals. For the second, consecutive year, he was influencial in Benfica's league triumph.
Last year he contributed 12 assists and 5 goals in 43 appearances, and guided them to the Europa League final in which they lost to Chelsea. As of this season, he as appeared on 20 occasions, making 6 goals and converting twice.
Manchester United have been rumoured to have expressed interest in the Argentine, especially in the summer transfer window. Gaitan's recent comments has revealed his desire to move to another league and this could spark a revival in those rumours as United hope to offload some of their mis-firing wingers in this transfer market.
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