The young defender has been compared to Virgil van Dijk, but to get anywhere near that level, he'll have to become Benfica's next star first
Just look at the names that have emerged from Benfica. Even narrowing it down to players from the last few years, there are some of football's biggest names. Enzo Fernandez, Darwin Nunez, and Goncalo Ramos left for colossal transfer fees. So, too, did Ruben Dias, who immediately showed he's one of the best defenders in the world. Go back just a little bit further, and you find Joao Felix and Ederson. Angel Di Maria is a former star, too.
The thing is, though, you have to break through at Benfica before you emerge from Benfica. And that's no easy task. Some of the best prospects in the world arrive in Lisbon with big dreams of someday breaking through.
American defender Josh Wynder is one of those prospects, and he's inching closer to that first-team breakthrough. Since arriving in Portugal, Wynder has generally taken the patient road, working his way up through the club's youth system. The former Louisville City defender recently got a taste of the first-team in a cup game, though, and American fans will be watching on eagerly, hoping that that taste can soon turn into a chance for Wynder to show why he might just be one of the next big prospects to impress with one of the world's best talent developing clubs.
GOAL takes a look at Wynder as he nears a potential leap forward for club and country.
Connor CunninghamWhere it all began
It's hard to believe that Wynder is just 20 years old. For those that have followed his career, it seems like he's been around for quite a while.
After initially signing with hometown Louisville City in 2021, the teenage defender rapidly emerged as one of the brightest prospects in American soccer. In addition to his initial success in the USL, Wynder went on to be a key player for the U.S. on the youth level, captaining the U-19s and emerging as a starter for the 2023 U-20 World CUp team that went all the way to the quarterfinals.
He also got a taste of the U.S. Men's National Team, earning a call-up in April 2023 for the Continental Clasico against Mexico. He didn't feature, but in many ways, the message was sent by U.S. Soccer: they were watching.
The federation wasn't alone, either. Benfica were keeping an eye on Wynder, too, and, after a trial with the club, his mind was all but made up.
"When I first got there [for my trial], I enjoyed it," Wynder told GOAL upon making his move in the summer of 2023. "Then a week into it I called my parents and I was like, 'I could see myself here'. I hadn't made the decision, but I told them that I can see myself here. When I got back to Louisville, I talked it over with my parents, talked with my agent, and then the next step for me was to get my parents over there to see the area and get comfortable, because they're going to be coming overseas visiting me. I think there's a lot of pieces but it all worked out."
He added: "They develop young players really well, and that suits me perfectly. Also, just the way they play, they're a ball-playing team, which fits my playing style very well, too. It's a good area, where the facilities are, and I think the coaching staff really did a good job when I was on trial. They're communicating with me and giving me a plan, and I think the pieces just kind of put themselves together for me."
AdvertisementLouisville CityThe big break
Before even arriving at Benfica, Wynder was given a path forward. It would start with the reserves. Before he could think about taking the field in the top flight, he had to adapt and, just as importantly, prove he was ready.
"They see me starting with the second team," Wynder said in 2023. "Hopefully, I'll integrate well with the team and start playing as soon as possible and doing well. Then, my goal is to get into the first team by the end of the year, at least training with the first team, because I think that should be my aspiration for this year. Hopefully, in the next year, or within two to three years, I'll be with the first team, starting or making appearances, whatever it is, but those are my goals."
In that sense, Wynder is right on time. Wynder has been a rock for Benfica B in the Portuguese second division, scoring four goals across 30 appearances from the centerback position. That consistency earned him a brief look with the first team.
On April 9, Wynder made his first-team debut for Benfica, coming on as a 77th-minute substitute in the first leg of the club's cup win over Tirsense. Benfica went on to win 9-0 across the two legs, with Wynder also named to the bench for the second match, although he didn't see the field in another blowout win.
Wynder's debut was a reward for his play with the club's second team, for sure, but it was also likely a sign of things to come if reports out of Portugal are to be believed.
Louisville CityHow it's going
It doesn't seem Benfica will be in a position to offer many more minutes this season. Currently second in the Portuguese league, Benfica is level on points with league leaders Sporting CP heading into a clash between the two this weekend. The club will then close the league campaign with a match against Braga before then facing Sporting CP in the cup final on May 25. These are high-stakes games and not the ones to throw a young centerback into.
Next season, though? That's when things could change.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Wynder is expected to be promoted to the first team next season. His performances have reportedly impressed the club's hierarchy, who now believe he's ready for the big step up to the first team.
It would be huge for Wynder, who would then get a chance to prove himself for a heavy-hitter in a solid league. It could also mean minutes in top competitions, from this summer's Club World Cup right onto next season's Champions League. Benfica seem to believe he's nearly ready for those types of opportunities, and they may be coming soon, even if it likely won't be this season.
GettyBiggest strengths
Listed at over six feet tall, Wynder has no problems with the physical side of the game. He's proven to be dangerous on set pieces with both Benfica B and the U.S. youth teams, which is always a pretty big bonus for a young centerback. His athleticism will help him when he does make the move to first-team soccer and his aerial ability will help earn him trust from coaches.
His size and athleticism won't be what Benfica is focused on, though. No, the Portuguese giants will also be pleased with his technical development. Wynder always looked comfortable on the ball with Louisville City but, when playing for a team like Benfica, that skillset needs to be taken to a different level.
The club routinely dominates lesser opponents in the Portuguese league, which means defenders have to be as comfortable passing the ball as they are heading it away. In many ways, Wynder projects to be a modern-day defender, one who can impact the game both with the ball and without it.
