Vasco da Gama want Benfica defender

Brazilian club Vasco da Gama are said to be ready to travel to Portugal to discuss possible moves for a series of players one on the list is Benfica right back Gilberto. Vasco has just earned promotion back to the top tier of Brazilian football and are looking to strengthen their club for their upcoming season. Gilberto is a former Vasco da Gama player, spending the 2017 season at the club on loan from Fiorentina were he appeared in 26 games, providing one assist. 

Gilberto joined Benfica in the summer of 2020 for €3M and has appeared in 89 games across all competitions for the club, scoring six goals while providing seven helpers. Gilberto currently earns €480K per season at Benfica and has a contract with the club until the summer of 2025 and Vasco da Gama would need to at least match his currently salary if they are to have any chance of seeing the player fly across the pond.

Benfica at the second international break

The second International break is upon us nations prepare to compete in World Cup 2022 and Benfica go into the break on a twenty-five game unbeaten run to start the season and sit atop Portugal with a eight point lead. Benfica will not be completely out of action during the tournament as the club will compete in this seasons Taca de Liga and play three games from November 20 to December 17.

The season still has more then 50% of it to go but Benfica remain in fine form since the start of the campaign and Benfica fans are becoming very optimistic that the club will earn some much needed hardware this season when all is said and done. 

A look at some player stats from the first 25 games of the season

Most minutes played: 

Vlachodimos 2,160; Alex Grimaldo 2,134; Otamendi 2,070

Most goals scored: 

Goncalo Ramos 14; Rafa Silva 11; Joao Mario 10

Most assists: 

Joao Mario 8; David Neres 8; Alexander Bah 6; Goncalo Ramos 6

Most yellow cards: 

Enzo Fernandez 6; Rafa Silva 5; Florentino 5; Otamendi 5

Most substitute appearances: 

Diogo Goncalves 16; Petar Musa 14; Chiquinho 12

Most penalty kicks taken:

Joao Mario 7

 

These stats only include League and Champions League group stage

Total shots taken:

Rafa Silva 58; Goncalo Ramos 48; Enzo Fernandez 37

Total passes made:

Enzo Fernandez 1,552; Otamendi 1,254; Florentino 1,148

Total dribbles made:

Rafa Silva 80; David Neres 65; Joao Mario 51

Total interceptions made:

Florentino 48; Otamendo 40; Alexander Bah 30

Most Tackles:

Alex Grimaldo 49; Florentino 48; Enzo Fernandez 45 

Blocked Shots:

Antonio Silva 8; Otamendi 7; Alexander Bah 4; Alex Grimaldo 4

Most Clearances Made:

Otamendi 62; Antonio Silva 55; Florentino 23

Man of the Match

Alex Grimaldo 4; Joao Mario 3; Rafa Silva 3; Goncalo Ramos 3

League Player Ratings:

Alex Grimaldo 7.55; Joao Mario 7.51; David Neres 7.39

Champions League Player Ratings:

Rafa Silva 7.57; Alex Grimaldo 7.49; Joao Mario 7.31

Benfica's play gets notice from Portugal boss

Benfica's fine form this season has caught the attention of not only clubs and fans across the globe but of Fernando Santos, Portugal's national team coach. Santos named his 26 man World Cup squad earlier today and he included three Benfica players, Santos called up striker Goncalo Ramos the Primeira Liga leading scorer and the nations highest goal scorer this season across all competitions.

Ramos was joined by midfielder Joao Mario who's game has gone to another level this season and who's inclusion was a no brainier as it fits Santos' style of play. The third Benfica player was a surprise choice as Santos called up 19 year old center back Antonio Silva, who was a relative unknown just two months ago and will now make a well deserved trip to Qatar along with his club mates.