On the final day of the 2012 summer transfer window Benfica's valuable number 6, Javi Garcia was transferred to Manchester City for a near 20 Million Euros. Benfica fans were shocked to see him go as for the previous 3 years upon arrival, Garcia became one of Benfica's strongest, players who dominated their midfield. No sooner after Garcia's departure, Belgian mid-fielder Axel Witsel departed to Russia where he joined Zenit St - Petersburg for a whopping 40 Million Euros. This deal was finalized on September 3, 2013 where the 23 year old packed his bags and flew to Russia.
At the time Benfica had just kicked off the 2012/13 Liga Zon Sagres season. Everyone was nervous about the new season as Benfica was left virtually naked in the mid - field. Although we had sign ex Braga striker Lima and acquired winger Ola John from FC Twente, nothing specific stood out to the Benfica fans to show the league that they were going to be a big super power and besides filling in gaps in the mid field, Benfica were still without a proper left back as well.
Well, its quite simple, those departed players positions become vacant and the coach can decide whether or not to fill in those spots within the club or outside the club. Luckily, with Benfica's depth in squad keeping it within the club was an option. (Especially when you have a team of 40+ active players) JJ decided to appoint 22 year old ex-Chelsea Mid Nemanja Matić as Benfica new number 6 replacing Javi Garcia. We were all unsure at first as to whether or not Matić would be a suitable replacement (JJ had also appointed former Paços De Ferreira striker Lorenzo Melgarejo as Benfica's new LB)
Going back not that long ago to the 2011/12 season, Matić had 27 appearances in all Benfica competitions (9 started league games) only 5 less then Garcia. While Garcia had injuries and knocks, Matić filled in and was praised by most. This was more then enough of a reason to give Matić the chance to fill in as Benfica's new #6.We are now approaching the end of 2012/13 and Matić 's strength in the midfield is one of the reason why Benfica has dominated this season. He is also considered to be one of Benfica's MVP and may even be considered the Liga Zon Sagres 2012/13 most valuable player either. He is quick with the ball and his focus, and skills are evident. And of course, my favorite moment of this season was this one ...
Matić has earned the respect of the fans and of Benfica. He has worked hard to contribute to this year's success. It would not be fair to say that he is better or worse then Garcia but has done a great job as a starting role for Benfica. The money spoke and Garcia left Benfica to join Manchester City and to advance his career in the EPL in which some critics say that his move was one of the biggest flops of 2012/13. At Benfica, Garcia was praised by the fans, if he was not injured then he was playing 90+ minutes every game. And now that Matić is a MVP it may be a matter of time before attractive offers come in for him. If Garcia wants to be praised by the fans and given more then 16 apps in once season, then a Benfica return would not be out of the question?
As for Axel Witsel, well besides his hot girlfriend's on instagram who remembers Axel Witsel? He was a rare case. He came in from Standard Liege in Belgium, spent one season with Benfica and was sold for ridiculous amounts of money. Benfica made 4 x more money then what they paid for Witsel and now look he's in Russia freezing his ass off. Unless Witsel really makes an impact, he will be freezing over there with Hulk and Bruno Alves. Enzo Pérez benefited from Witsel departure. Enzo was originally a winger who was adapted into the mid by JJ and was considered written off and problematic due to his problems with the club during the previous season. Enzo and Matić are a better midfield combo for Benfica because 1) Garcia and Witsel fell apart at the end of last season 2) Benfica was unable to perform in Europe and in Portugal last year as they have this season.
No comments:
Post a Comment