Benfica at the first International Break

The first International break is upon us during the season and Benfica have already played 13 competitive games from the start of their Champions League qualifying campaign to their Champions League group stage games and seven weeks of league games in Portugal. Benfica under the tutelage of Roger Schmidt remain perfect for the season, winning all 13 of these games with an away win against Juventus included.

The season still has along long way to go but Benfica are currently in fine form to start the season and Benfica fans will hope that this form earns the club some much needed hardware this season when all is said and done. 

A look at some player stats from the first 13 games of the season

Most minutes played: 

Vlachodimos 1,170; Alex Grimaldo 1,161; Enzo Fernandez 1,111

Most goals scored: 

Goncalo Ramos 8; Rafa Silva 6; Joao Mario 5; David Neres 5

Most assists: 

Joao Mario 5; Goncalo Ramos 5; David Neres 5

Most yellow cards: 

Rafa Silva 4; Florentino 3; Otamendi 2; Goncalo Ramos 2

Most substitute appearances: 

Diogo Goncalves 8; Alexander Bah 7; Henrique Araujo 7

Most penalty kicks taken:

Joao Mario 4

 

These stats only include League and Champions League group stage

Total shots taken:

Rafa Silva 28; Goncalo Ramos 25; Enzo Fernandez 25

Total passes made:

Enzo Fernandez 870; Otamendi 594; Florentino 582

Total dribbles made:

Rafa Silva 46; David Neres 39; Joao Mario 26

Total interceptions made:

Florentino 23; Otamendo 23; Alex Grimaldo 13

Most Tackles:

Alex Grimaldo 25; Enzo Fernandez 25; Florentino 23

Blocked Shots:

Otamendi 4; Antonio Silva 3; Alexander Bah 2

Most Clearances Made:

Antonio Silva 23; Otamendi 18; Florentino 13

Man of the Match

Joao Mario 2; Alex Grimaldo 2; David Neres 2

League Player Ratings:

Joao Mario 7.63; David Neres 7.60; Alex Grimaldo 7.56

Champions League Player Ratings:

Rafa Silva 8.03; Alex Grimaldo 7.59; Enzo Fernandez 7.38

 

Benfica players heading for International duty

With the international break upon us, some players will be departing their clubs to join the country squads for a set of qualifiers and friendlies. Benfica will see seven of their current squad members depart the club after tomorrow's game and head out to join their respected countries.

Benfica fans will see these players in action over the next couple of weeks.

Portugal - Goncalo Ramos, Joao Mario

Argentina - Nico Otamendi, Enzo Fernandez

Greece - Odysseas Vlachodimos

Denmark- Alexander Bah

Norway- Fredrik Aursenes

Benfica youngsters Antonio Silva, Henriques Araujo and Paulo Bernardo have been called up to represent Portugal's Under 21 squad.

Benfica sign new contract with defender Morato

Benfica center back Morato signed a new contract with the club earlier today that will take him into the summer of 2027 and includes a buy out clause of €100M. The 21 year old was recently named the Portuguese League defender of the month for August before sustaining an severe ankle sprain earlier this this month that looks set to keep him out of action for the next 6 to 8 weeks.

Morato had finally earned a place in Benfica's starting XI this season under the tutelage of new manager Roger Schmidt before suffering the injury. Morato's play caught the attention of many clubs across Europe and Benfica wasted no time in locking up the Brazilian center back long term and more importantly doubling his existing buy out clause. Morato joined Benfica in the summer of 2019 from Sao Paulo for €7.6M and has spent the majority of his time at the club with the B squad.