The 2012/13 Liga Zon Sagres has come and gone and Benfica finished the season without silverware. It is no doubt that anyone who followed Benfica throughout the season noticed the excellent performance and revelation of Nemanja Matić the 24 year old Serbian midfielder. Matić is considered to be a hidden gem. After Javi Garcia and Axel Witsel departed, nobody expected this former Chelsea Midfielder to even crack the bench let alone make Benfica's starting 11.
Nemanja Matić is an example of what has been going on in Soccer for decades, The outside player coming in and taking over. We see it in Spain with players like Messi, and Ronaldo. England with it's abundance of African players and the USA with Mexican players.
The sad reality is unfortunately sometimes the local players just can't cut it and a team has to resort to attract foreign players. It is not to say that there is no talent at a local level but it's sometimes worth while to think outside of the box.
With the 2013/14 season just weeks away (and pre-season in less then 2 weeks) the Benfica master mind's were at it again. Since Matić, had such a great season then perhaps there are more players like him out there. While FC Porto, Sporting, and others continue to scout players in South America, Benfica have decided to look to Serbia for not only the next Nemanja Matić but hidden gems who are quality players.
Introducing Benfica's newest acquisitions from Serbia.
Nemanja Matić Немања Матић
Born: 01.08.1988 in Sabac, Serbia
Age: 24
Position: Midfield - Defensive Midfield
Foot: Left
Market Value: Approximately 14.000.000€
- Nemanja Matić joined Benfica on January 31, 2011 from Chelsea as part of the David Luiz trade. Benfica received approximately 25.000.000€ and Matić who at the time was loaned out to Dutch side Vitesse. Matić this past season played 45 games in all competitions. He scored 5 goals (including one amazing goal against FC Porto) On 14 January 2013, he was awarded with a contract extension lasting until 2018, with the buyout clause set at €45 million
Filip Đuričić Филип Ђуричић
Born: 30.01.1992 in Obrenovac, Serbia
Age: 21
Position: Midfield - Attacking Midfield
Foot: Both
Market Value: Approximately 7.000.000€
- Out of all of the Serbian additions to the 2013/14 Benfica squad, Đuričić is showing the most promise. Now that Pablo Aimar has left Benfica, Đuričić, can not only play on the wings but may essentially be Benfica's new number 10. A position that has not been filled in quite a while (perhaps since Aimar was a starter) Welcome Filip Đuričić to Benfica!
Lazar Marković Лазар Марковић
Born: 02.03.1994 in Čačak, Yugoslavia (Serbian Nationality)Age:19
Position: Striker - Left Wing
Foot: Right
Market Value: Approximately 7.000.000€
- During Partizan's group stage performance in the 2012/13 UEFA Champions League, Lazar Marković's performance got the attention of many teams throughout Europe including Inter Milan, and Rubin Kazan. Marković appeared in 19 league games and scored 7 goals and rated Marković among the 25 best players in the Serbian SuperLiga. Welcome Lazar Marković to Benfica!
Miralem Sulejmani Миралем Сулејмани
Born: 05.12.1988 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (Serbian Nationality)
Age: 24
Position: Striker - Right Wing
Foot: Left
Market Value: 2.500.000€
- Sulejmani can very well be another hidden gem in the upcoming Benfica 2013/14 season. He has played in the Dutch league with SC Heerenveen, and Ajax. It was rumoured in February 2013 that both Sulejmani and Đuričić were going to be new additions to Benfica and effective in July 2013 both players have gained their spot. Sulejmani has had UEFA Europe Cup experience in the past with Ajax as he scored against Juventus in the round of 16 competition. Although he has not played in quite sometime due to a near career ending injury he sustained against Roda JC in March of 2012, Sulejmani will be competing against the likes of Salvio, and Ola John for a top spot in the Benfica starting 11. Welcome Miralem Sulejmani to Benfica!
Stefan Mitrović Стефан Митровић
Born: 22.05.1990 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (Serbian Nationality)
Age: 23
Position: Central Defender - Left
Foot: left
Market Value: 1.100.000€
- With the expected departure of Ezequiel Garay at some point this summer, Mitrović is one of 3 possible replacement choices. Although, Lisandro Lopez is still not confirmed, Steven Vitoria may have previous experience in the Portuguese league but can he keep up with Stefan Mitrović who has just come off of a successful season with Belgium side Kortrijk in which he appeared in 22 matches and scored 3 goals. Mitrović is contracted at Benfica until June 2015. Welcome Stefan Mitrović to Benfica!
Uroš Matić Уpoш Maтић
Born: 23.05.1990 in Sabac, Serbia
Age: 23
Position: Midfield - Attacking Midfield
Foot: ?
Market Value: 450.000 €
- Just like his older brother, Uroš Matić came to Benfica on the free. This attacking mid - fielder has represented the Serbian under 19 team during the 2009 European under 19 competition. He spent 4 seasons playing for Slovak side MFK Košice. If Uroš has similar talent to Nemanja, we may see the two brothers playing side - by -side in a few games. He is currently on a one year contract with a possible five year extension. Welcome Uroš Matić to Benfica!
Filip Marković Филип Марковић
Born: 03.03.1992 in Čačak, Yugoslavia (Serbian Nationality)
Age:21
Position: Midfield
Foot: Right
Market Value: ?
- Lazar Marković older brother Filip has signed onto the Benfica B team for the upcoming 2013/14 season. There is no information as of yet as to what his role will be or the length of his contract. Never in Benfica's history has there been 2 sets of Serbian brothers. Welcome Filip Marković to Benfica!
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