Renato Sanches named Bayern Munich player of the month against all odds after nightmare few years
The ex-Benfica wonderkid looked to be on his way out of Bayern this summer - but the arrival of new boss Niko Kovac has reignited his career
BAYERN MUNICH starlet Renato Sanches has capped a remarkable return to form after a nightmare two years - by landing the September player of the month award.
The 21-year-old looked to be on his way out of the Bundesliga giants after a nightmare two years following his big-money move from Benfica.
Sanches was labelled damaged goods after a disastrous loan spell at Swansea last season - which saw him being sent back to his parent club two months earlier than scheduled in March.
However, the midfielder's stock is rising again - with new Bayern coach Niko Kovac showing faith in the youngster.
The ex-Croatia boss has waxed lyrical about Sanches since his return into the side - even likening him to club legend Lothar Matthaus.
He said: "It's true that people fly off him left and right - just like they used to do with Lothar Matthaus.
"I'm delighted for Renato - I said all along that he was excellent in pre-season and it wouldn't be long before he plays."
A Euro 2016 winner with Portugal, Sanches first laid down a marker under Kovac in Europe - ironically against his former side.
Bayern ran out 2-0 winners in their opening Group E game - with Sanches scoring his first club goal since leaving the Lisbon giants.
He hasn't looked back since, starting two of their last four league games - although Bayern have suffered back-to-back Bundesliga defeats.
Sanches has been a rare bright spark during that time - with Bayern currently lying four points off the leaders Borussia Dortmund in sixth.