World Class Garay Leaves Benfica

 

It is evident that after winning the "Portuguese Treble" that Benfica were going to have to sell players.  The CMVM reported on June 25, 2014 that Argentine CB Ezequiel Garay of Benfica was sold to Zenit St. Petersburg for € 6.000.000. Ezequiel Garay age 27 arrived at Benfica on July 5, 2011 as he signed a four - year contract for € 5.5.000.000 as part of the Fábio Coentrão transfer to Real Madrid.

 

Over the last three seasons one of Benfica's all time best CB combo without question was Ezequiel Garay and Benfica captain Luisão. During the 2013/14 Garay played 27 league games, scored 6 goals and only suffered 3 yellow cards. These stats demonstrate that not only is he a clever defender but he can also contribute to the score sheet. (This is an extra added bonus to being a world class defender)

 

Ezequiel Garay definetly enjoyed his time at Benfica especially alongside fellow countrymen Nico Gaitán, Eduardo Salvio, Enzo Pérez, and Benfica B wonder kid Funes Mori. Garay capped over 100 games with a Benfica jersey was often praised in the Liga Zon Sagres as one of the best if not the best CB in the league and besides Zenit  he was linked to other big clubs such as Manchester United, and Valencia.

 

 

At Benfica Garay has won the following trophies:

2013/14 Liga Zon Sagres Winner
2013/14 Portuguese Cup Winner
2013/14 Portuguese League Cup Winner

2011/12 Portuguese League Cup Winner

Other accomplishments include:

2013/14 UEFA Europa Cup Runner Ups
2012/13 UEFA Europa Cup Runner Ups

2012/13 Liga Zon Sagres Runner Ups
2011/12 Liga Zon Sagres Runner Ups

Benfica CB Situation

Although Garay is considered a world class CB who lets face it may have been too good for the Portuguese League, Benfica have a deep enough bench as alternate options for Garay.

Lisandro Ezequiel López will be returning to Benfica after a season long loan to Spanish side Getafe in which he played 27 games and scored 4 league goals. 24 year old Lisandro Ezequiel López arrived at Benfica on July 10, 2013 in which he signed to a five year contract with a  €35M buy-out clause. Although López shares similarities to Garay (He's a CB, he's an Argentine, his middle name, etc.) with limited experience in Europe, how will López adapt filling in for one of the best CB out there and playing alongside Benfica's experienced captain? Also, can he handle playing in the UEFA Champions League by representing the most popular club in Portugal. Limited experience in Europe will definitely be a factor

 

 

César Henrique Martins recently joined Benfica in June from Ponte Preta, Brazil. The 21 year old has never played outside of Brazil and may have a hard time adapting to Benfica's main squad. He has shown a lot of promise in his Brazilian club as he played 24 matches for Ponte Preta in 2014 while they played in both the Serie B and Paulista A1 league's in Brazil. César is determined to "Conquer Titles"and is thrilled to play on the former team as his countrymen David Luiz. Perhaps César may get time in the B team before the initial main Benfica squad.

 

 

 

Jardel the 28 year old defender has had a limited role on the Benfica squad upon his arrival in 2010 from SC Olhanese. With that being said, he has played in UEFA competitions and has filled in for captain Luisão on several occasions. Jardel may not be the most talented of Benfica's CB, he has height and when given an opportunity gets the job done. If he continues to wear his "Batman" mask then he will most definitely be a lethal CB for Benfica in 2014/15.

 

 

Steven Vitória is Benfica's tallest CB at 195CM. The 27 year old Canadian born has not done much upon his arrival to Benfica one year ago but he has also not has the opportunity to gain minutes on the main squad. There is much potential in Steven Vitória as  he was a part of the 2012/13 Estoril Praia team that tied Benfica in May 2013 which resulted in Benfica losing the Liga Zon Sagres for a third consecutive season. Steven Vitória scored 11 goals for Estoril Praia in 27 league appearances during the 2012/13 season  which is quite impressive for a CB. He is also looking to grab more minutes at Benfica in hopes to catch the eyes of Paulo Bento for a possible call up to the Portuguese National Team.

Stefan Mitrović is another Benfica CB who has potential but lacks minutes. The 24 year old Serbian arrived at Benfica in 2013 at a time in which Benfica had 7 other Serbians (including 2 sets of brothers). He spent most of the 2013/14 on loan with Real Valladoid in Spain in which he capped 16 league games. Determination and motivation are just two words to describe this player's ability.I know I couldn't do any of those workouts.  

Personally, out of all of the names mentioned I feel Lisandro López is the best possible solution for Garay at the moment. Lisandro can learn a lot from Luisão and will continue to develop. There are a few names on the B team and Junior's who are still Green but can very well in a season or two become top prospects as Benfica's main CB.

Benfica 2013/14 - A Season To Remember

Going into 2014 Benfica were in third place with a 10-3-1 record. Although Benfica  lost their first game of the season to Maritimo and lost important points as they drew to Sporting CP, Belenenses, and Arouca the season was not over yet. The team began to show a lot of promise as Jorge Jesus and company began to regain their confidence. Players like Rodrigo, Markovic, Ruben Amorim, Silvio became key players on the pitch. Also with Artur getting injured during match day 13 against Olhanese the emergence of Slovenian goaltender Jans Oblak would occur as he would only allow 3 goals in 16 league games. 

On January 5, 2014 Benfica lost their king Eusébio at age 71. This tragic loss would continue to unite Benfica as they hosted FC Porto in what would go down as one of the most memorable victories against the Dragons ever. All Benfica players had the name Eusébio on their backs and were victorious 2-0 in which would become the first of three successful victories over the Dragons in 2014. This was the last game in which we would see Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matić wear a Benfica jersey. He was transferred to Chelsea worth approximately €25 million. In a later interview conducted by Benfica President LFV, he admitted that he convinced Matić to remain at the club. 

Former Benfica Captain Mario Coluna also left the Benfica family as he passed away on February 25, 2014 joining his former team mate Eusébio. These events continued to motivate the team even more as they began what would eventually become a 27 home game undefeated winning streak at home. 

Although Benfica were hosting the 2014 UEFA Champions League Finals, they exited the competition early as they were unable to advance through their group. Benfica finished the group with 10 points tied with Olimpiakos (loss on head to head) Anderlecht finished with 1 point and PSG dominated the group with 13 points. As one door closed another one soon opened as they entered the UEFA Europa League they began eliminating the likes of PAOK, Tottenham, AZ Alkmaar, and the in the semi-finals the hosts Juventus. Benfica advanced once again to the UEFA Europa League Finals for their second consecutive final losing in penalty kicks in a controversial game to Sevilla. The Bella Gutman curse of 1962 continues as this marked Benfica's eigth consecutive loss in a UEFA final.

2014 seemed a lot better then 2013 as history would be made. Benfica is now the only team to win all three titles in Portugal in one season the last time. Benfica won a double title "Doubradinho" in the same year was 1986/87 when they won the Portuguese Cup and the League.

Throughout the 2013/14 season Benfica played a total of 57 games in all competitions. They managed to not only be the top team in Portugal but became finalists in the UEFA Europa League and were ranked the 5th best team in the UEFA coefficient which is the highest ranking that any Portuguese team has ever recieved. Although the team struggled with injuries, red cards, and accumulative yellow cards, their performance throughout the tournament was a great one (especially away to Juventus) but in the end were more unlucky then unsuccessful losing to Sevilla in PK. Teams in Italy, France, England, Germany and throughout Europe only wished to be in Benfica's place reaching a UEFA final in 2014.

Some would argue that this team has not changed much from last season. Although their style of play has not changed (JJ still fields a 2 man midfield, occasional 3) I disagree with that statement in retrospective Benfica has a much greater depth then they did in previous years and Benfica has players that can play multiple types of positions. For example;

Ruben Amorim returned to Benfica after a one season loan absence away at SC Braga. Amorim can play as a midfielder, a fullback or on the wing  in the midfield he can play as much defensive as he can be in a attacking role. He was a great alternative to Fejsa who missed most of the second half of the season due to injuries

Silvio and Siqueira are quality fullbacks in which Benfica have not seen since Fabio Coentrao departed almost 4 years ago. hopefully Benfica will sign the loaner FB for a permanent stay going into 2014/15

Jans Oblak has been one of many success stories of the season for Benfica. It is my personal opinion that Oblak is definitely Benfica's most valuable player this season he played 26 games in all competitions and has only allowed 6 goals, (3 in league, 3 in UEFA) since his start debut against SC Olhanese back on December 21. His only loss of a season was to PK in the UEFA Europa Final. 

Serbians Marković, Sulejmani, Fejsa and Djuricić were all new additions to the team this season. They had a lot to offer but unfortunately Fejsa and Sulejmani's playing time was cut short as there was often injuries. Fejsa played 27 games and Sulejmani played 26 games (3 goals).

There are great things coming for Djuricić. Some are of the personal belief (myself included) that he was not given enough minutes on the pitch to demonstrate his worth. Whether or not JJ likes him or not, his style of play right now is not compatible with JJ's plans. (remember JJ sees him as a 9.5 but can very well be a 10)  If Gaitan leaves Benfica this summer I believe Djuricic will emerge into the 2014/15 Benfica squad and just like his team mate Lazar Marković will turn plenty of heads throughout Europe. 

Rodrigo is another player who emerged this year unfortunately his emergence was due to the injury sustained by Oscar Cardozo who missed most of the season. Rodrigo was given the green flag from JJ and became Benfica's second top goal scorer of the season with 18 goals in 43 Benfica matches. Shortly after Matić exit for a near €30M Benfica were able to sell the player rights of Rodrigo and André Gomes for €45M these players most likely will not return next season for Benfica

Our captain Luisão had his best season ever in which he not only caped 49 games and scored 6 goals but he was able to end the season by only receiving 3 yellow cards. For a CB this is unheard of. At 33 his form continues to grow and it looks like there is no sign of slowing down as Luisão has mentioned that he will most likely end  his career at the Luz. 

U19/ B Team

The under 19 team was very successful in the first ever becoming finalists in the first ever UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE competition. Benfica managed to go through the whole competition undefeated until they lost 3-0 in the finals to Barcelona in the next few years we will definitely see a great emergence of Benfica youth talent

The Benfica B team was also a lot of talk this year although they finished 5th and allowed in almost as many goals as they scored many goals such players as Ivan Cavaleiro, Bernard Silva, Funes Mori, João Cançelo and a few others will definitely emerge to becoming great talents in the near future

Benfica players continue to dominate the Portugal squads. Out of all of the teams that make up Portugal, Benfica is the most represented team for "As Quinas". In this summer's Portugal squad for Brazil, Paulo Bento initial called up 4 Benfica players out of his original 30 man squad. Both André Almeida and Ruben Amorim made the 23 man squad.

For Portugal's Under 21 team that will be in the 2015 UEFA European Championship 4 players have been called up:

André Gomes

Rúben Pinto

Ivan Cavaleiro

Bernardo Silva

Portugal under 19 and 20 teams have 3 Benfica players also but the most impressive of the squads is the Portugal under 17 squad which during the month of May had 11 out of 18 players representing Benfica during Portugal matches against Scotland, Switzerland, and Germany. 

Although in the past Sporting CP were the leaders of producing youth talent in Portugal, going into the future that theory has now died as Sporting may still develop youth in Portugal but not at the rate in which Benfica is going through at the Seixal.

The Year of JJ  

We often criticized JJ's  two man midfield and wanted him to play a three man midfield (although he tried a few games) the two men midfield and JJ stubbornness prevailed as we want three competitions this year. At this point in time unless  serious contract comes his way, JJ will remain a the Luz until his contract expires next season. 

We all  hated on JJ and were frustrated in the way he ran the club. There were times during the season in which he did not have the players respect. He did always have the respect and support of Benfica President LFV who stuck by JJ through all of the mess. 

I never thought I would say this (and I know I'm not alone) but if JJ can continue to bring success at Benfica I hope JJ remains our coach for a very long time. JJ is not only considered to be one of Benfica's most succesful coaches of all time but  is regarded as the 11th highest paid coach in Europe according to daily.co.uk's list published in December 2013

For JJ to leave Benfica it would not make sense unless it's for money where would he go? he would not be idolized as much as he is in Portugal as the coach of the most popular team in Portugal. Unless it is to a really big team (Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich who all have coaches) why leave the best team in Portugal to coach a mid-table team outside of Portugal?

The Law of The Market

Recently on BenficaTV guest host Pedro Guerra mentioned that it goes without question that Benfica will have to sell a few of their players during the up and coming summer transfer window. As often mentioned for Benfica or better yet any of the big teams in Portugal to remain successful financially they must do the following:

1) Secure a spot in UEFA Champions League

2) Having a good run or even reaching any of the UEFA Finals will generate more revenue and exposure to the club

3) Winning any of the domestic cups or league will give the team added bonus from their sponsors or investors

4) They must sell at least 2 big players (depending on what kind of money is received)

Although Benfica have won all of the possible titles in Portugal, after the season that they just finished (also in a World Cup Year) Benfica's talent will be raided. Here are some examples of revenue that Benfica will or are expecting to receive. 

- 25 Million Matic

- 45 Milion Rodrigo and Gomes player rights

- 4.5 Million in UEFA Europa League Competition

- 4 Million for hosting the UEFA Champions League Final

- 12.1 Million for participating in UEFA Champions League 

(8.6 just for getting there, 3 wins = 3M, 1 draw = halfM)

More then likely Eziquiel Garay and Nico Gaitan will be sold this summer. Garay has been rumored to go everywhere from Liverpool to Manchester United to Valencia but it now looks like he may join AVB in Russia at Zenit for a rumored 20+ million euros transfer fee. If this transfer is true then shame on all of the big clubs within Europe who are in search of a centre back. As good as David Luiz is for him to leave Chelsea and join PSG for a whopping 50 Million makes no sense. Garay is a world class centre back in which any team would be lucky to have and being paired with Luisão makes Benfica for a deadly centre back combo,

Nico Gaitan is another target who has also been rumored to go to the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and most recently Inter Milan for €25 million

Player Awards

Defensive Player - Eziquiel Garay/ Luisão 

Offensive Player - Lima

Most Improved - Nico Gaitan

Revelation - Ruben Amorim

MVP - Jans Oblak

Flop - Ola John

Noteable Mentions - Rodrigo, Ivan Cavaleiro, Enzo Perez, Lazar Markovic, Maxi Pereira, Andre Gomes, Bernardo Silva, Funes Mori, Siqueira, Silvio, 

Benfica vs Juventus UEFA Europa League Semi - Finals

Finally, Benfica are champions of Portugal for a 33rd time. It has been four consecutive years of heartache and heartbreak battling constantly by trying to slay the evil dragon that is FC Porto but we finally did it! Benfica are champions of Portugal and they can now focus their attention on two other priorities:

 

1) Winning The Taca De Portugal

2) Winning UEFA Europa Cup

BONUS: Winning The League Cup (We've won it  a bunch of times anyways)

 

This week the Europa League will begin its semi-finals matches of the tournament which will feature  Benfica hosting Juventus in a match of epic proportions in which on paper would make a great final of the tournament. Unfortunately, UEFA Semi - Finals matches are drawn out of a hat on paper but only decided in two legs. Although some may say Benfica have an advantage playing the first leg at home, Juventus (unlike SC Olhanese) will be a tough opponent in both legs. For Benfica to have any chance of repeating a double UEFA Europa Final they must win at home. Going into Italy with a draw or a loss will not get them past this stage.

If this tournament was based on who looks good on paper there is no question that Juventus should be in the final on paper (They are also hosting the final this year at their home stadium in Torino). However, as we all know UEFA titles are not decided as to who looks good on paper but who comes out on top to win.

 

 

NO UEFA LOSSES IN 5 MONTHS

 

Juventus have been dominating the Serie A nearly clinching the league title for their third consecutive season as they sail away with an eight point lead to second place Roma. Benfica on the other hand has had their most successful team and season in quite sometime (can win a total of Four titles this season) Benfica although were eliminated from the group stages of UEFA Champions League (so was Juventus) have not lost a UEFA match since November 5, 2013 as they lost 1-0 away to Olimpiakos. Juventus are also undefeated in UEFA since their 3-1 loss to Galatasary on Novemmber 11, 2013. group stages

At the start of the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League campaign, Juventus were one of many favorite's to win this competition. The Bianconeri's are quite familiar with the UEFA Europa League as they have been in four finals since 1976 and have won three of them. (Click here) Benfica, if successful against Juventus will be featured in their second consecutive UEFA Europa Cup Final but may have better odds winning this year against either Seville or Valencia unlike last year's final against Chelsea who were able to knock Benfica out of UEFA competition two consecutive years as well.

 

9 UEFA FINALS

Both Benfica and Juventus have nine UEFA finals. Benfica were back-to-back UEFA Champons League winners in 1960/61, and 1961/62 season and were five time runners up in 1962–63, 1964–65, 1967–68, 1987–88, 1989–90. Juventus were also two time UEFA Champons League winners in 1984–85, 1995–96. They also won the UEFA Super Cup those same years and won a total of nine UEFA Cups (click here).

 

 

JUVENTUS FORMATION & PLAYERS 

 

Juventus plays a 3-5-2 formation. However, in a more defensive minded game Juventus will resort to a 5-3-2 formation as the two wing backs will join the centre backs to form a back line of five. In a attack minded game, it appears as though they will play a 3-3-4 (almost want to call it 3-3-2wings-2 forwards)

 

It is no question that Juventus will play their best 11 away against Benfica. Juventus are a strong team overall. Their midfield players have been able to not only assist on goals but score themselves. Paul Pogba, (or" Pogboom" as he is known in Italy) Arturo Vidal, Marchisio, and an experienced Andrea Pirlo have all contributed to goals in the league and throughout UEFA. They are all great strong mid fielders who will most definetly give the Benfica CB's are hard time.

Looking at Quarter - Finals stages of the UEFA Europa League game Juventus played Olympique Lyonnais in which they advanced 3-1 on aggregate. CB Leonardo Bonucci scored in the first leg, Pirlo scored in the second leg and Lyonnais conceded an own goal. Wingers Mauricio Isla and 22 year old Kwadwo Asamoah from Ghana are quick, and have been in full form occupying the wings. Isla took over the position from 30 year old Lichtsteiner who although is a full back would often start as a winger on the right.  

 

The other Fernando Torres known as Llorente a forward from Spain leads Juventus in goals with 18. Carlos Tevez is not far behind with 14 goals. The irony is that Tevez has failed to score a single goal in UEFA competition this season but is common to start as he did during the second leg on the Lyon Quarter- Finals game. Marko Vučinić the 30 year old Montenegro forward may also be an option to start alongside Llorente but most likely we will see Pablo Osvaldo who has 2 goals in this competition (is on loan from Southampton, rumoured Benfica transfer last summer) or Sebastien Giovinco (2 goals only in league competition) may very well start at the Luz over Tevez.

 

 

BENFICA NO PRESSURE

 

It is my personal belief that Benfica on paper are just as good as Juventus. Gianluigi Buffon has played 31 games total in the Serie A in which he has 18 clean sheets. His experience definetly overshadows the 21- year old Slovenian Benfica goalkeeper Jan Oblak who has played 15 games this season and had 11 clean sheets. The percentage of clean sheets is higher for Oblak then Buffon. This season Oblak hands down is better then Buffon.

 

Ezequiel Garay has scored 6 goals this season as a centre back and his CB partner Benfica captain Luisao has had his best season yet. Those two can pair up and over any Juventus CB combo of either Barzagli, Caceres or Bonucci.

 

 

Our wingers are fast and have quick feet and if it's not Gaitan, Markovic or even Salvio who will definetly put away a goal or three during these two legs.

 

Our forwards Lima, and Rodrigo have been in constant form (Rodrigo more so throughout the season) and let's not forget Enzo who let's face it would crack the starting 11 of any team in the Serie A hands down.

 

Benfica will go into this competition relieved after just winning the league only a few days ago. No one really expects them to win outside of the Benfica Nation of course. The pressure is on Juventus especially in a year in which they are hosting and everyone will be shocked or disappointed if they are not in this year's final. Going into Italy will most definetly be Benfica's greatest challenge but a tie in not an impossible outcome for The Reds.

 

Derby De Lisboa 09/02/14

 

 

Match day 17 will take place this Sunday February 9th, 2014 at the Estadio Da Luz. Benfica will host Sporting Lisbon in a epic battle for not only bragging rights between the two teams of Lisbon, but for first place supremacy in the Liga Zon Sagres.  Benfica are currently 2 points ahead of Sporting and 4 against FC Porto.

 

Benfica have already defeated Sporting Lisbon this year in a league cup match in which we saw Benfica captain Luisão score a terrible goal off of his head as he was falling into the ground in which the ball rolled right through the legs of Lions goalkeeper Rui Patricio. "And this is the guy that is representing Portugal at net!" I protested to myself.

 

On Matchday 3 both teams drew 1-1 at the Alvalade with a questionable offside goal from MLS wonder kid Freddy Monteiro and a game saving goal from Benfica's Lazar Marković. This was also the game in which we last saw Eduardo Salvio who has been hurt ever since.

 

 

 

 

According to Wikipedia "The Derby de Lisboa" 

 

 "Sporting fans used to represent the wealthier society from Lisbon, while Benfica fans represented the working class. The rivalry originated back in 1907 when eight Benfica players switched to the Sporting side in search of better working conditions. The match is followed world-wide, with the game being transmitted live especially in the former Portuguese colonies."

 

 

 We often criticize Benfica Forward Oscar "Tacuara|" Cardozo for being too passionate of a player. This guy loves Benfica and his passion for the team is evident during the derby. Cardozo scored a hat - trick at last season's derby at the Alvalade. It will definetly be one of the highlights of his career at Benfica in which The Benfica Nation will remember "Tacuara" for. It is no doubt that he will be a contributing factor to this Sunday's Lisbon Derby.

 

 

 

If Mister Jorge Jesus plays a 4-4-2 we may very well see this sort of lineup

 

Oblak (GK), Maxi (RB), Luisão  Garay (CB), Siqueira (LB) Fejsa (CDM or a 6) Enzo (CM or  a 8) Marković (RM) Gaitan (LM or vice versa) Lima (Behind ST), Cardozo (CF, ST up top)

 

Personally, I would like to see a 4-3-3 in which Cardozo plays up with Gaitan, Marković on the wings. Fejsa stays right where he is with Enzo and Ruben Amorim also in the middle. If Sporting also plays a 4-3-3 perhaps a Benfica 4-4-2 is more logical since it has been working as of late with the excellent form of Marković, and assists made almost every game by Gaitan.

 

Sporting Lisbon are going into this match without William Carvalho one of their best (and Portugal's best) CDM who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season. (5 yellows = 1 matchday suspension) They are also without LB Jefferson who picked up a knock during last week's match against Academica De Coimbra. Coach Leonardo Jardim will have alternative solutions to these conflicts as Sporting will more then likely 21 year old Englsh CB Eric Dier  as a possible CDM in Carvalho's absence and Ivan Piris should replace Jefferson.

 

 

 

There has been much talk about 27 year old Egyptian midfielder Shikabala who has been compared to the likes of Arjen Robben and can play in many different roles. He has yet to play with the Sporting Lisbon jersey and also ex- Maritimo FWD Heldon is one of the league's top scorers as well.

 

Although Sporting has not defeated Benfica at the Luz since January 28, 2006 coach Leonardo Jardim has turned this team around this year. This is not the same Sporting which at one point we thought were going to fold or go to third division last season. Jardim took over this team mostly comprised of youth academy players and turned them into a success. Something in which previous coaches were unable to do.  

 

Looking at previous results a tie is a more likely outcome but I we look at our rivals from the North they will be facing a weak opposition of Pacos De Ferreira this weekend. A win for them with a tie in Lisbon puts them 2 points behind Benfica and tied for 2nd with Sporting.

 

 

 

For a Benfica blog, Sporting has got way too much praise and it ends now. Benfica is coming off a 1-0 League Cup victory over Penafiel they must continue to build their momentum and protect their first place position in the Liga Zon Sagres. As important as the win was over FC Porto, this is the most important game in the League. If the Portuguese League was trying to get a big TV Contract worth hundreds of millions of dollars (Euros, pounds, whatever) this would be the match to advertise. Especially this one which again is not only the Lisbon Derby but will decide first place in Portugal. Anything less then a 3 goal victory will not be accepted for me at least. Benfica must score early and play to win. If we have to play the Eusébio card then so be it.

 

It is crucial that Benfica is victorious because a win at home to Sporting will continue to build momentum and closer to a 2013/14 League Title. The only other wish after these two rival victories would be defeating FC Porto on the last match of the season in May at the Estadio Do Ladrão  which to me would be the icing on the cake.

 

 

I briefly wrote prior to last year's derby in April. You can find that link below.

http://nylofernandes11.blogspot.ca/2013/04/a-derby-of-epic-proportions.html

Also Nuno Gomes comments on this weekend's derby

“Made In Benfica”

Ivan & Bernardo

-          Benfica President Luis Filipe Viera recently has come out to the media and stated that by 2020 more then half of the Benfica main squad will not only be homegrown Portuguese players but will be players who have been developed through the Benfica youth systems. LFV has come out to the media and said many things in the past. Who can forget his plan of Benfica strategic plan of guaranteeing an ample amount of trophies coming into Benfica within the next few years? And at the end of 2012 there was a big surprise or a big name arriving to Benfica in 2013. (Funes Mori?) Regardless of what was promised and delivered from LFV to the Benfica Nation in the past, this current promise of a “Made In Benfica” home grown squad is acheievable considering most of Benfica Junior squad and B squad are “Made In Benfica.”

Benfica Kids Beating FC Porto

- It was just a few days ago in which Benfica offered extended contracts to four of their youth/ B Team players valid until 2019. The players João Teixeira, Alexandre Alfaiate, Pedro Rebocho and Raphael Guzzo all accepted these contracts and have already enjoyed minutes on the pitch. Teixeira at age 19 is an 8 type of player who has played 13 games this season under Hélder Cristóvão’s B Team. LFV also promoted youth players Gilson Costa, André Ferreira, Hildeberto Pereira, João Lima and Kevin Oliveira to professional contracts. Most of these players are 17 years of age and play in the Juniors team.

Pedro Rebocho

For those of you who are ongoing listeners to the “Talking To The Doll” Benfica podcast should know that we enjoy discussing the youth and B team players at Benfica. It gives me a sense of pride in being a Benfica fan to see players like Ivan Cavaleiro, ANDRÉ GOMES ANDRÉ Almeida emerge from the youth system. Although they were not always in Benfica youth teams, they were brought in at a young age to be Benfica youth players before integrating into the main squad. It also makes me believe that more players will continue to emerge in the future. I still remember when Benfica played Celtic in Toronto on September 3, 2009 at BMO field and Nelson Oliveira and Ruben Pinto contributed to goals. At the time who would of thought that Pinto would be end up being the captain of the B Team and Nelson would become one of the most talked about Benfica strikers representing Portugal in the Euro 2012.?

Bruno Varela

- With my annual Benfica membership, I receive a few times per year “Mistica: The official magazine of Benfica.” I recently received issue 23 – Year 5 in the mail just yesterday and on the cover are 14 B and youth players with the caption “O Benfica Tem Futuro!” (Benfica has a future) This statement is especially evident if you look at the Portugal U16 through to the U19, teams. Just last week the Portugal U15 coach selected 8 players to begin training in Rio Maior to prepare for upcoming international fixtures. Perhaps a few of these players (One named Fernandes coincidently) may end up being a part of the future homegrown Benfica team of 2020? According to an interview conducted by Benfica TV on August 23, 2013 Benfica President LFV has stated that for the 2014/15 season Benfica’s strategic plan of integrating more “Made In Benfica” players into the main squad.

- Being a Portuguese player on a Portuguese club is always appealing from the outside looking in. Especially during a time in which the Portuguese league is gaining credibility as a whole by the success in Europe with FC Porto winning a few UEFA titles, SC Braga’s UEFA stints and Benfica almost every year reaching Quarter – Finals or last year’s Europa Cup final. Portugal will soon surpass Italy and possibly France within the next few years with the coefficient. Although there are still many “foreign” players in the league, “foreign” players will always be needed in any league. Especially in a country like Portugal which has a population of 10 million and hundreds of football clubs in many different league’s.

Goncalo Guedes

- It’s building a strong league with homegrown players that will turn head’s on the European stage. The Bundesliga in Germany may have a few foreign players, most of it’s players are made in Germany. According to Wiki, a team like Bayern Munich who has been one of the most dominant teams over the last few years has a main squad of half homegrown players and half foreign players. However, if you look at their B team and Junior teams they are primarily 90% German. In Spain , Barcelona main squad has approximately one third of their players are foreign. Teams in France, and even the MLS in North America (which will eventually become more then just a retirement league for Euopean players)

- Unfortunately, the biggest league in the world the EPL is compromised of mostly foreign players. Big teams in England with deep pockets who can buy almost anyone. The problem with that is, although the EPL is exciting and arguably the most watched league in the world, the English National team and youth teams are finding it hard to produce successful homegrown players because the likes of Arsenal, Manchester’s, Liverpool tend to sign foreign players leaving little room for local English players. Again, some of the best soccer is played in the EPL however, it’s admirable to see a league or a few teams within a league who have built a competitive winning squad from their own country and youth teams within their club.

JJ With Joao Cancelo

- If you look at modern society from all over the world there is a strong emphasis on “Being Local.” You’re often told to buy local or support local as it is important to build the community or area in which you live. More consumer good spent within your area, better chances of more money being invested in your community. I should buy my clothes down the street instead of giving it to the evil big Walmart a few minutes away. This HIPSTER way of thinking in which we often poke fun at (some are in denial’s of being so called HIPSTERS) should be applied to the teams in which we support.

- It surely would be a wonderful thing to see Benfica (or better yet the Portuguese league) have 60-70-80% come from Portugal but more specifically their own youth teams. What would be even better would be to see Benfica blow out the competition in UEFA competitions. But wait, that is currently on going as we speak! The Benfica Juniors team (U19) have just advanced out of the group stages in the UEFA Youth League. They defeated the likes of PSG, Olimpiakos, and Anderlecht winning the group with 14 points 4 wins, 2 draws, 15 goals scored and only allowing in 5 goals. They will now face Austria Wien in the round of 16. For this U-19 team to win the first even U19 UEFA Champions League would be a huge motivation for Benfica’s youth of today and for tomorrow. It would also send a message for future Benfica players that winning is possible.

Romrio Balde

- There are multiple names that come to mind when we discuss Benfica’s future. Bernardo Silva has been named the future number 10 in which Benfica has not seen since the likes of Pablo Aimar or even Rui Costa. Andre Gomes has been the topic of much discussion as a definitive replacement for Nemanja Matic. When Helder Costa is not rapping with his house mate Ivan Cavaleiro or scoring goals for the B Team there is much potential for him to be a future striker for our main team especially at a time in which Rodrigo, Oliveira, and possibly Cardozo may be transferred within the next year or so.

- The future looks promising for Benfica. Perhaps by 2020 Benfica will have a near perfect vision of their future. Regardless of how many trophies this team wins over the next few years while these players continue to develop we will look to the future with much pride as most of our players will be “Made In Benfica.”