Finally another new signing to the Luz has arrived. Meet 30 year old left back/ winger (Another Winger?) Eliseu acquired to Benfica from CF Málaga. on July 24, 2014 Eliseu signed a 2 year contract to Benfica worth approximately 1.5M €.The Eliseu signing has JJ written all over this deal. Back in 2007 Jesus was Eliseu' coach on CF Belenenses. Supposedly JJ has wanted Eliseu to join Benfica for the last 3 seasons. As mentioned during his interview with Benfica TV, the 30 year old from Terceira mentioned that it was a "Childhood Dream"(of course his family was all Benfica also) to play at Benfica. I've heard many Portuguese players say that over the years upon arriving at The Luz. Whether there is truth to his interview or not he has the respect of the coach and hopefully will prove his worth to the fans and to his team.
Eliseu may very well take over the starting role throughout the 2014/15 season as Benfica's main left-back considering JJ will most likely favour him over Lloris Benito and Djavan who has supposedly departed for SC Braga. Although he is primarily a left-back he has often played as a winger and there was a time last season at Málaga, that due to injuries he was playing in the right back position.
The Reality
Eliseu started his career in Portugal and has played throughout Europe representing such clubs as Málaga, Lazio, and Zaragoza (brief loan deal). His best years were at Málaga in which he caped approximately 190 league games scoring nearly 20 goals. Eliseu has UEFA Champions League experience. While representing Málaga during the 2012/13 campaign he netted a brace against RSC Anderlecht.However, if JJ is confident in his abilities and is able to bring out the best in him perhaps this was not a bad move after all for Benfica. JJ has the ability to turn improve a player's performance or better yet bring out the best in potential talent (i.e. Enzo, Matic, etc.)
Eliseu may very well take over the starting role throughout the 2014/15 season as Benfica's main left-back considering JJ will most likely favour him over Lloris Benito and Djavan who has supposedly departed for SC Braga. Although he is primarily a left-back he has often played as a winger and there was a time last season at Málaga, that due to injuries he was playing in the right back position.
The Reality
Eliseu started his career in Portugal and has played throughout Europe representing such clubs as Málaga, Lazio, and Zaragoza (brief loan deal). His best years were at Málaga in which he caped approximately 190 league games scoring nearly 20 goals. Eliseu has UEFA Champions League experience. While representing Málaga during the 2012/13 campaign he netted a brace against RSC Anderlecht.However, if JJ is confident in his abilities and is able to bring out the best in him perhaps this was not a bad move after all for Benfica. JJ has the ability to turn improve a player's performance or better yet bring out the best in potential talent (i.e. Enzo, Matic, etc.)
Concerns
Considering Benfica paid next to nothing for Eliseu how great is his current form? Fatigue? Injury prone? Weight issues? At almost 31 how much longevity will Eliseu have at Benfica? Can he help win games especially against FC Porto, Sporting (which I may add with their recent signings in the pre-season they are all looking for a fight) Can Eliseu go toe to toe with the big boys in UEFA competition ? We knew Siqueira could but he is no longer an option.
It's great and all to have another Portuguese player on the squad and I hope whatever doubts we have about Eliseu are put to rest. What worries me is that Benfica spent more money acquiring a young full back in Benito and I feel JJ will play favorites and stubbornly pick only Eliseu and not give young Benito a chance. This and more to unfold in the up and coming weeks.
No comments:
Post a Comment