Benfica continue search for left back in Dutch League

With Benfica still unable to secure an agreement with AZ Alkmaar for left back Milos Kerkez, the club is looking at alternative options to replace departing starter Alex Grimaldo within the Dutch League and are said to have inquired about Twente left back Gijs Smal.

The 25 year old appeared in 44 games across all competitions last season, scoring twice while providing eleven helpers and as is said to be available for around €10M. Benfica is hoping to have their future starting left back in place before the club returns from their off season and starts to prepare on the field for next season.

Benfica should look to Inter Milan for midfield depth

Benfica needs to add more depth to their midfield and one player that could add value is Inter Milan defensive midfielder Marcelo Brozovic. The 30 year old Croatian international has a good work rate and vision while providing the tough presence in the middle of the pitch.

With the potential departure of Florentino in the summer transfer window Benfica will need to fill the youngsters spot and the experienced Brozovic would be an excellent choice in the starting XI or off the bench while providing the club with more time to groom a younger version from their famed Seixal academy.

Brozovic has been at Inter since the summer of 2016 and although his first few seasons at the Italian side were disappointing, Brozovic came into his own with a position switch from attacking midfielder to defensive. Brozovic also provides manager Schmidt with a versatile player that can play a variety of positions at the club. 

Benfica Final Season stats for the 2022/23 season

Benfica's 2022/23 season has come to an end and the club captured the 2022/23 Portuguese League crown, their only trophy of the season but an important one that saw the club land an automatic spot in the lucrative Champions League group stage for next season as they hope to surpass their back to back quarter-final runs over the past two seasons.

We take a look at the total stats across all competitions for both the club and players during this past campaign.

CLUB STATS

Overall club record: 42 wins, 7 draws, 5 losses

League Record: 28 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses

Champions League Record: 10 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss

Taca de Portugal: 3 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss

Taca da Liga: 2 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses

Total Goals Scored by club 131 goals for, 40 goals against

League Goals: 82 goals scored, 20 goals against

Champions League Goals: 38 goals scored, 15 goals against

Taca de Portugal: 5 goals scored, 2 goals against

Taca de Liga: 6 goals scored, 3 goals against

 

PLAYER STATS

Most Goals Across All Competitions: Goncalo Ramos 27

Most Goals League: Goncalo Ramos 19

Most Goals Champions League: Joao Mario 6

Most Assists Across All Competitions: Alex Grimaldo 16

Most Assists League: Alex Grimaldo 9

Most Assists Champions League: Alex Grimaldo 5

Most Appearances Across All Competitions: Alex Grimaldo, Vlachodimos 54

Most Minutes Played Across All Competitions: Vlachodimos 4888 

Most Yellow Cards Across All Competitions: Otamendi 15

Most Red Cards Across All Competitions: Alexander Bah 1 

Most Sub ins Across All Competitions: Petar Musa 36

Most Sub outs Across All Competitions: Goncalo Ramos 39