Bruno Lage looks to have unlocked Orkun Kokcu

Orkun Kokcu’s is shaping up to be a revelation. Under the guidance of new Benfica manager Bruno Lage, Kokcu’s growth on the field is shining brighter than ever. While Roger Schmidt may have overlooked his potential, Lage seems to see Kokcu for the talent he truly is. Imagine a flower blooming in sunlight after being stuck in the shadows. That’s Kokcu now.

The tactical shift by Lage looks to be a perfect fit, which is one of the biggest differences under Lage's approach. Where Schmidt’s style felt more rigid, Lage encourages freedom. This has allowed Kokcu to express himself. Picture a painter with a blank canvas; Kokcu now has the tools to create beautiful plays. His dribbling skills, vision, and creativity are suddenly coming to life. Fans are seeing a player who can control the midfield and set up attacks seamlessly.

Lage has a knack for developing young talent. Just look at his history. Under his watch, players have transformed into stars. Kokcu is now benefiting from this mentorship. The manager isn't just fixing Kokcu’s position; he’s giving him the confidence to take risks. That extra edge has made a world of difference as Kokcu has scored twice and provided two helpers in the three games Lage has been in charge.

The arrival of fellow Turkish international Kerem Akturkoglu has not hurt either and Kokcu is now silencing the doubters and showing he can shine in a top club like Benfica. Have you noticed how he’s consistently making key passes and scoring goals? It’s exciting! Each week, his performances are not just about stats; they show heart and dedication.

Under Schmidt, Kokcu struggled to find his role. The team’s rigid structure didn’t cater to his strengths. It felt like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. The mistakes made during that time are now apparent as Lage enhances Kokcu's play. This transformation showcases the difference a manager can make in a player’s career. 

Fans are excited about how he plays now. It’s not just about skill; it’s the energy he brings on the field. Have you heard the cheers when he touches the ball? It’s electric! Everyone feels the vibe that he’s found his home at Benfica, thanks to Lage's adjustments.

Orkun Kokcu is blossoming at Benfica under Bruno Lage. What was once a struggle has turned into an opportunity for greatness. The way Lage has adapted the team’s play opens up possibilities for all players, especially Kokcu. It’s a beautiful example of how a fresh perspective can change everything. With the support of his manager and the fans, the future looks incredibly bright for this talented midfielder.

Benfica lack Portuguese touch in a sea of foreign talent

Benfica, one of Portugal's proudest football clubs, currently finds itself in a tricky situation. With only six Portuguese players on the squad, many fans question whether the club is losing its local flavor. You'd think a club with such rich history and tradition would focus more on homegrown talent, right? Instead, it seems they’re turning to foreign players to fill the gaps. This shift raises eyebrows and concerns among devoted supporters.

Among the few Portuguese players on the squad, only Antonio Silva and Florentino are stepping onto the pitch regularly. They represent a glimmer of hope in a lineup dominated by international talent. Their presence is essential, but can they carry the weight of the team's expectations? Silva, as a defender, and Florentino, as a midfielder, have shown promise. Still, relying on just two players from Portugal just does not feel right.

Why is Benfica leaning heavily on foreign players? It can often seem like a quick fix to achieve immediate success. New talents from various countries bring different styles and skills that can energize the team. But the downside? A lack of familiarity with Portuguese football culture can create gaps that are hard to bridge. This mix of international players might generate excitement on the field, but does it build the team's identity?

For many fans, Benfica symbolizes Portuguese pride. They fondly remember the days when local talent made up the backbone of the team. Now, with a majority of the players coming from abroad, tradition feels like it’s slipping away. How can a club succeed without a strong connection to its roots? This disconnect might lead to a lack of loyalty and passion that typically fuels the players.

When you look at rivals Sporting and FC Porto, these club's have chosen to spend within the league on many occasions and tend to boost four and sometimes even five regular starters on a game by game basis. The summer departures of Joao Neves, Rafa Silva and Joao Mario only added to a growing issue.

So, what’s next for Benfica? The solution lies in finding a perfect balance between local and international players. Developing young Portuguese talents could bring back the club’s essence while still enjoying the benefits of foreign imports. It’s not just about winning games; it’s about instilling pride within the team and among its supporters.

As Benfica navigates its current predicament, it's essential to reflect on what truly defines the club. Winning is crucial, but maintaining a strong connection to Portuguese identity is equally important. The club and its loyal fans deserve a team that embodies the spirit of Portugal while embracing the global nature of football. Only time will tell if Benfica can strike the right balance. 

Current Portuguese squad players: Antonio Silva, Florentino, Tomas Araujo, Tiago Gouveia, Samuel Soares and Renato Sanches

Benfica open Champions League campaign with win over Red Star Belgrade

Benfica did enough to pull out a victory in their opening Champions League game against Red Star Belgrade as the Lisbon club earned an important 2-1 victory on the road in Serbia.

Turkish duo Kerem Akturkoglu and Orkun Kokcu scored the two Benfica goals in the first thirty minutes of the contest and the club survived a late scare from the hosts who scored in the 86th minute and pressed until the final whistle looking for the equalizer.

Benfica will play their next Champions League game at home against Atletico Madrid on October 2nd as they look to finish in the top twenty-four places of the league and move into the knockout stages of the competition.

On a sour note, Benfica looks to have lost right back Alexander Bah for an extended period of time after the Dane was stretchered off the field in the first half looking to have suffered a serious leg injury.