Thursday, February 7, 2013

Down To The Wire

In a year in which both Benfica and Porto are separated by goal differentials, who would of thought that the Liga Zon Sagres would produce more excitement then the already decided EPL? (At least it was a red devil team winning)

Even though I am a biased Benfica fan, I am enjoying this year more then many previous years. For once its not just a Benfica vs Porto affair but its great to see this tight battle for third place between Rio Ave, Braga, and Paços De Ferreira. I mean for Portuguese soccer fans how great would it be to see Paços get through to the UEFA champions league? For Portugal that is great. The coefficient, and poor Sporting they are hurting but so was Benfica.

The point that I am getting at is although this season (now half done) may have had its ups and downs, drama and suspense, Benfica's story no matter how it will end will be a remember able one.

Who would of thought that players like Enzo Perez, and Nemanja Matić would be carrying this team in the fight for first place. Melgarejo (like Perez) has merged in well as an
Adapted player in a different position. As much as I would to see more of Luisinho, Melga has proven himself to all of the doubtful throughout the season (including myself)

Even if Benfica somehow manage to fall through the cracks ( slip through the cracks?) and finish second, Benfiquistas will remember a team who lost 2 key players to giant European clubs but managed to gain and build a multitude of future stars.

Aimar more then likely will not renew after this season (sorry Pedro) but will mentor guys like André Gomes, Enzo, and André Almeida into becoming future leaders.

Ola John may eventually be sold to an English club for 30+ million£ but will be remembered as the guy who started the beginning of the season playing on the left- bench. He eventually got picked, came on and rocked Celtic and few other teams along the way. Inspiring the likes of Derlis Gonzales and Ivan Cavaleiro to become more impactful players.

Let's not forget the best goalie throughout the 2012-13 season NOT Rui Patricio, (sorry PORTU_GOAL) who will eventually be sold to a big La Liga team and will inspire the likes of Mika, and Bruno Varela? To become future SLB and possible Portugal prospects. (Artur as good as Michel Preud Homme)

I can't emphasize how excited I am to be a fan of this team this season but if I had the chance to talk to JJ before the ever so important meeting at "O Dragão" in May I would just congratulate him for his efforts throughout the season on being the most stubborn man in Portuguese football and in acknowledging his adapted player projects as successful.

I don't know if 4-4-2 will win us the league on that day in Porto but I am most confident that JJ will.
 
 

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